Solidago perhaps?

weed ... its that time of year.. they are everywhere ...

do not let them go to seed

ken

Don't listen to ken. Solidago is an important wildlife plant - it's foliage feeds insects that become food for baby birds. I loved watching the wrens pluck green caterpillars off it last year to feed their babies.

Late summer blooms offer nectar at a time when it is really needed and then tiny seeds feed songbirds all winter. And the sweep of yellow flowers is gorgeous in a big stand.

This is likely the more aggressive one (there are non-aggressive ones) in which case it will spread by runners (and you can see that if you pull it up).

If you have room for it, it is good to leave it. If you have a small or tightly controlled garden (like ken) then it may be too aggressive for you.

Does not cause allergies as the heavy pollen is transported by insects, not the wind.

Esh GA- I just love the way you described this plant and provided info on it; rarely seen. Thanks!

I, too, agree with esh ga!

Goldenrod (Solidago sp.) is one of the most important late season nectar/pollen plants. It is used by a multitude of pollinators to the point that it is difficult to shoot a photo without capturing some live creature.

The hayfever causing plant is Ragweed (Ambrosia sp,)...Goldenrod is no more likely to cause an allergic reaction than are Petunias or Roses.

Thanks esh!

Bob

Thanks for the great and informative responses, especially esh! While this may be crowding out a small section of flowers and growing in other beds, since they're so beneficial, I'm going to make a special section in one of my beds to put the plants in rather than cut them down.

vince

Yay! Thanks, vince.

Great picture bob, two bugs in one.

The roots are so thick that I let it grow along the edges of my garden which prevents rodents from tunneling in. I pull out enough outer stems so it stays where I want it.