Photo of Early Goldenrod (Solidago juncea)

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© Daniel McClosky

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CC BY 4.0

Inclusion in Plant ID / Comparison Guides

This photo is featured in 2 plant ID/comparison guides:

Early Goldenrod (Solidago juncea) vs. Sweet Goldenrod (Solidago odora)

Updated July 20th, 2025

These two goldenrods are frequently confused in their small range of overlap. Both bloom early, have smooth leaves, upper leaves that lack serrations, and grow in dry habitats, often those with sandy, acidic soil. They are easily distinguished by inflorescence shape, floret count per flowerhead, leaf bases, and serrations on lower leaves. S. juncea ranges farther north, prefers more nutrient-rich, less-acidic soil, and is more likely in anthropogenic or human-disturbed habitats. S. odora ranges farther south and is strictly limited to sites with acidic, nutrient-poor soils, but less likely on sites disturbed or altered by humans.

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Giant Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) vs. Early Goldenrod (Solidago juncea)

Updated February 7th, 2025

These two goldenrods are sometimes confused, as both tend to bloom earlier and have relatively smooth stems and foliage. Both occur in sun to partial shade, but they otherwise have little habitat overlap. They are usually easily distinguished by growth habit, and they have numerous other differences. S. gigantea ranges much farther west and south, is more restricted to moist sites with richer soil, tolerates flooding and poor drainage, and is more competitive against tall herbaceous vegetation. S. juncea prefers drier sites where competing vegetation is sparser, and is more demanding of good drainage.

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