Alternate name: Plume Goldenrod

Family: Asteraceae, Aster view all from this family

Description Native herbaceous perennial.
Habit: Solitary or few stemmed, unbranched.
Height: 1-4 ft (30-120 cm).
Leaf: alternate; long, thin, pointed; may be slighly serrated; to 8 in (20 cm) long by 1.5 in (3.75 cm) wide; decreasing rapidly in size upward.
Flower: tiny yellow flowers, to 1/4 in (6 mm) across; in a loose terminal plume, arching up and out, to 4 in (10 cm) long.

Flower June - October.

Flower June - August.

Habitat Open sandy sites, disturbed areas, roadsides, fields and meadows, wood borders; to 3300 ft (1000 m) or more; also cultivated as an ornamental.

Range Eastern North America, from Quebec south to Florida, west to Manitoba, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Not reported in Iowa.

Discussion This well-named plant is the earliest of the goldenrods to bloom. It attracts butterflies.

Comments The earliest goldenrod to bloom.

Exposure Preference Sun to partial sun.

Native Distribution New Brunswick to Manitoba, s. to Virginia & n. Arkansas; also in mts. to South Carolina & Tennessee.

Site Preference Fields; wood borders.

Soil Preference Dry, sandy soils.

Wildlife Value Attracts butterflies.