Solidago missouriensis, commonly known as Missouri Goldenrod, is a deciduous perennial herb native to North American prairies, grasslands, and open woodlands, particularly in the Western and Central USA, and Western Canada. It typically grows from an underground caudex or rhizome, reaching up to one meter (40 inches) in height, with roots that may extend 2 m (6.6 ft) deep. The plant forms a branching panicle of numerous small yellow flower heads at the stem’s apex, with over 200 heads possible. Each head features 5-14 yellow ray florets a few millimeters long encircling 6-20 disc florets. The flowering season spans late summer to early fall, and the flowers are highly attractive to pollinators.

Missouri Goldenrod is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a suitable choice for naturalistic plantings and wildflower gardens. It is also used in restoration projects to stabilize soils and support local ecosystems. In cultivation, it prefers full sun exposure and tolerates a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust and other fungal diseases. Gardeners should be aware that Solidago species can spread aggressively via rhizomes, potentially becoming invasive in some settings.CC BY-SA 4.0