Showy goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) is a herbaceous perennial that grows 3 to 5 feet tall. It has upright reddish stems that host foot-long rods of small golden yellow flowers from late summer until fall.Solidago speciosa thrives in sunny well drained, sandy or loamy soils. Plants tolerate light shade and drought.

The flowers provide valuable late season nectar and pollen for native bees, honeybees, butterflies, moths and beetles. Plants host caterpillars of several moth species. Seed are eaten by the American Goldfinch and other songbirds. It is deer resistant.