Alternate name: Anise-scented Goldenrod

Family: Asteraceae, Aster view all from this family

Description Native herbaceous perennial. Spreads by rhizome to form clumps.
Habit: tall, with up to 5 smooth stems, erect to arching.
Height: 1.5-5 ft (45-150 cm).
Leaf: dark green, straight, narrow, pointed; 1-4.5 in (30-110 mm) long, 1/4-1 in wide (8-20 mm) wide; smell of anise or sassafras when crushed; usually wither before flower blooms .
Flower: feathery, roughly triangular, yellow plume, 3-14 in (75-350 mm) long of many horizontal or arching branches; on its upper side each branch holds many tiny yellow flowers, cylindrical, shaggy.

Flower July to October.

Flower July - October

Habitat Native to open, sandy dry woods and barrens; now cultivated as an ornamental.

Range Southeast U.S., from New Hampshire to Florida; west to Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.

Discussion Also known as anise-scented goldenrod, fragrant goldenrod, and blue mountain tea. A variety called Chapman's goldenrod is native to Florida. This plant is listed as threatened in New Hampshire, Ohio and Vermont.

Comments Solidago odora is easily kept in bounds.

Exposure Preference Sun.

Native Distribution E. Texas to Florida, n. to s.e. Missouri, c. New York & s. New Hampshire

Site Preference Savannas; pinelands; dry woods

Soil Preference Average to poor, sandy soils. pH 4.5-5.5.