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collage of Canada Goldenrod and Giant Goldenrod

Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) vs. Giant Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea)

Updated January 17th, 2025

These two tall, rhizomatous goldenrods are easily confused as many of their traits are overlapping and S. gigantea occurs through nearly the entire range of S. canadensis. They are usually easily distinguished by their stems. S. gigantea also has larger flowerheads with longer involucres, larger rays, and more disc florets. S. gigantea ranges much farther south and west and prefers wetter habitats, whereas S. canadensis is more restricted to the northeast and prefers mesic conditions.

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