Photographer & Copyright

© Daniel McClosky

Photo Source

CC BY 4.0

Inclusion in Plant ID / Comparison Guides

This photo is featured in 3 plant ID/comparison guides:

collage of Tall Goldenrod and Sweet Goldenrod

Tall Goldenrod (Solidago altissima) vs. Sweet Goldenrod (Solidago odora)

Updated July 20th, 2025

These two goldenrods are sometimes confused; both tend to grow in dry habitats. They are usually easy to tell apart by close examination of the leaves, and they have numerous other differences. S. altissima ranges farther north and much farther west, and prefers richer, finer-textured soils, ranges onto higher-pH soils, and tolerates much greater levels of disturbance. S. odora is more restricted to the southeast and is strictly limited to acidic, nutrient-poor soils, and is more shade-tolerant, but less tolerant of disturbance.

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collage of Tall Goldenrod and Giant Goldenrod

Tall Goldenrod (Solidago altissima) vs. Giant Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea)

Updated February 8th, 2025

These two tall, thicket-forming goldenrods have a large range overlap and are easily confused. Both have triple-veined leaves and similar inflorescences. They are usually easily told apart by texture of the stems and leaves, and they have many other differences. Although their habitats overlap slightly, Solidago gigantea ranges farther north, is more restricted to richer, moister habitats, and is more tolerant of shade and poor drainage. Solidago altissima is more of a generalist, ranges farther south and into drier habitats, but requiring better drainage.

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The other guide is not yet completed and published.