Flower head 

Leaf

Solidago gigantea

Common Name of Species: Late Goldenrod

Family: Compositae

Entry Author:  C. Friedl, Muhlenberg College
Key Characteristics:  Late goldenrod can be distinguished from the many other similar species of goldenrod by its smooth pale green, or sometimes light purple stem.  The stem may also have a whitish bloom, although the bloom would never be classified as rough.
Leaves: Leaves are lance shaped, sharply toothed, tapering towards the bottom and tipped at the top.  Leaves are distinctly 3 veined, with 2 veins that run parallel to the midrib.  5 inches long, and can be as wide a ¾ inch.  
Flowers: Many small flower heads grow in the shape of a panicle made of many braches.  Each individual flower head is brilliant yellow in color, and 1/8 – ¼ of an inch wide, with 7-17 tiny rays.
Stem: Stems are erect, and either light green, or with a purple/blue tinge.  Most are smooth, although some have a very soft, white bloom covering it.
Branching Pattern:  Leaves grow alternate to one another. 
Height:  2-8 feet tall
Conditions/Habitat:  Can be found in thickets, clearings and along the roadside.
Range:  Throughout eastern North America. 

References:
Niering, W.A., Olmstead, N.C, & Thieret, J.W. (2001). National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers Eastern Region (Revised Edition).  New York: Random House Inc.

Newcomb, Lawrence (1977).  Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide.  New York: Little, Brown.     

McKenny, M. & Peterson R.T. (1996). Peterson Field Guides: Wildflowers Northeastern/ North-central North America. New York: Houghton Mifflin.

USDA, NRCS (2004). Plants Database, Version 3.05 (http://plants.usda.gov).  National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874 USA.