Solidago altissima - late goldenrod

 Height: 3’ to 6’
Spread: 5’+
Light Needs: full sun, part sun 
Water: average, adaptable
Flower color: yellow
Bloom time: September, October

This native goldenrod is locally common in sunny fields and disturbed areas. It spreads by rhizomes and seeds to form colonies. The stems are upright and topped in fall by flowers in a plume-like arrangement. This species is too aggressive for the typical small garden but is well-suited for a prairie or a restoration project. Like other goldenrods, a wide assortment of insect pollinators are attracted to the flowers. Birds eat the seeds. It has moderate deer resistance.

It is worth noting that goldenrods do not cause hay fever. The lightweight, air-borne pollen grains of plants like ragweed cause hay fever. Goldenrod pollen is comparatively heavy and sticky. It is moved from flower to flower by insects.