Canada goldenrod
(Solidago canadensis)

aka common goldenrod. This species includes the former species Solidago altissima. Standing to seven feet tall, this is one of our two huge, abundant goldenrods. This species is identified by its rougher leaves and downy stems. Stems are mostly green, sometimes purple, sometimes splotched with both colors. In contrast, S. gigantea has smooth stems and leaves, which are frequently waxy. MC (Asteraceae)