Solidago latissimifolia, commonly known as Elliott’s Goldenrod, is a perennial herb that is native to a variety of habitats including moist meadows, marsh edges, and open woodlands along the Atlantic Coast of the United States and Canada, from Nova Scotia to Alabama and Florida. It can grow up to an impressive height of 13 feet, though typically it is shorter, and features elliptical to lanceolate leaves. From late summer to fall, it produces numerous small, bright yellow flower heads arranged in large, showy plumes that are highly attractive to pollinators.

Elliott’s Goldenrod is valued for its tall, striking presence and vibrant yellow flowers that add late-season color to gardens and naturalized areas. It is often used in wildflower gardens, meadow plantings, and for ecological restoration projects due to its ability to attract a variety of pollinators and beneficial insects. This goldenrod prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in moist, well-drained soils. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust and mildew if conditions are too damp or crowded. It is important to note that while goldenrods are sometimes mistakenly blamed for hay fever, they are not the true culprits; that distinction belongs to wind-pollinated plants like ragweed. Elliott’s Goldenrod is also of conservation interest, being endangered in New York and a species of special concern in Rhode Island and Connecticut, which underscores the importance of planting native species to support local ecosystems.CC BY-SA 4.0