CANADA GOLDENROD (Solidago canadensis)

How to Identify Canada Goldenrod (Soildago canadensis)
This is Canada Goldenrod, a perennial that is native to North America. It is a common weed in both the US and Canada.
Canada Goldenrod has a tall, thin stem that grows two to four feet in height. The stem is unbranched and is smooth with hairs only on its upper portions. It varies in color from light, pale green to reddish brown.
The leaves grow alternately up the stem and gradually decrease in size. They are lance-shaped with finely toothed margins. They are dark green in color and have three prominent veins, which are usually cream-colored. The margins are often red and have very fine hairs.
The stems are topped with panicles of tiny flower heads. The flower heads are bright yellow and have a cup-like shape. After pollination they will produce tiny tufted seeds.
The plant grows off a long, thick fibrous root system. It spreads using multiple rhizomes, which allow it to grow into dense stands. The rhizomes are colored bright red.
Canada Goldenrod likes full sun and wet soils. It is common along stream and riverbanks, roadsides, and in irrigation ditches.
There are many different species of goldenrod in North America, but canadensis is distinguishable by its yellow flower panicles, red rhizomes, and very dense growing habit.
Canada Goldenrod is a common weed in irrigation ditches, but is not often considered harmful as it does not usually disturb nearby crops. It is often cultivated as an ornamental.
Sources:
Weeds of the West, 5th Edition (1991) by Tom D. Whitson, published by the Western Society of Weed Science
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources IPM - Weed Gallery
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United States Department of Agriculture - Plant Database
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[@CRC717]

Thank you for these videos. They are some of the best out there for folks like us who use wild edible and medicinal herbs. Learning much.

[@cowabungakev]

I cut my goldenrod back because after it bloomed, the long stem was dying from top to bottom, so I trimmed it and it has not grown a long stem to bloom since. Any suggestions on how to get it to bloom again?

[@BotanyandBeer]

Do you recognize Solidago altissima gilvocanescens?