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Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.)

Many sources, including USDA PLANTS, treat Western canada goldenrod (Solidago lepida) as a variety of this species, Solidago canadensis L. var. lepida. We separate them per the treatment of POWO and BONAP.

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Summary

One of the most common and widespread goldenrods of northeastern North America. Inconsistencies in the reported range of this species reflect the fact that some authorities include the widely-distributed S. altissima as a subspecies whereas others treat it as a separate species. Even the USDA's own range maps reflect this inconsistency, sometimes on a state-by-state basis, reflecting different standards used in the data reported by different states.

BONAP has more consistent range maps for both species, reflecting the treatment of each as distinct species.

Range - Expand

LegendColor
Native
Native or Not Present

This tentative map is based on our own research. It may have limited data on Canada and/or Mexico, and there is some subjectivity in our assignment of plants as introduced vs. expanded. Read more in this blog post.

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Photo © Eric Lamb, CC BY 4.0.