Goldenrod is a tall wildflower with bright yellow blooms that cluster at the top of its stems like tiny golden fireworks. In late summer and early fall, goldenrod transforms fields and roadsides across North America into seas of brilliant yellow. The plant can grow three to five feet tall, and each stem is crowned with hundreds of small yellow flowers grouped together.

Many people mistakenly blame goldenrod for their allergies, but the real culprit is usually ragweed, which blooms at the same time. Goldenrod's pollen is too heavy to blow around in the wind, so it doesn't cause sneezing. Instead, bees and butterflies love visiting goldenrod flowers for nectar.

Goldenrod is the state flower of both Kentucky and Nebraska. Native Americans used it as medicine and to make yellow dye. The plant spreads easily and can take over gardens if not controlled, but in the wild, it provides important food for pollinators preparing for winter. Its cheerful yellow color makes it a favorite in autumn bouquets.