Early Goldenrod

Early Goldenrod (Solidago juncea) is in the Sunflowers, Daisies, Asters, and Allies family (Asteraceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,044 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in August.

Nationally it blooms mainly from July to August, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.

When to photograph Early Goldenrod: observations by month (U.S.)

About Early Goldenrod

Solidago juncea, the early goldenrod, plume golden-rod, or yellow top, is North American species of herbaceous perennial plants of the sunflower family native to eastern and central Canada and the eastern and central United States. It grows from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and Minnesota south as far as northern Georgia and northern Arkansas, with a few isolated populations in Louisiana and Oklahoma.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Early Goldenrod by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related wildflowers (Sunflowers, Daisies, Asters, and Allies)

black-eyed SusanRudbeckia hirta

Common YarrowAchillea millefolium

White SnakerootAgeratina altissima

ChicoryCichorium intybus

Lawn daisyBellis perennis

Philadelphia fleabaneErigeron philadelphicus

Pearly EverlastingAnaphalis margaritacea

Blue MistflowerConoclinium coelestinum

Photography tips

• Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
• Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
• Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
• Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.

FAQ