Goldenrods are members of the Family Asteraceae, or the older alternate name Compositae. When you look at a “flower” of these plants you are actually looking at a cluster of literally hundreds of flowers. You will have to look closely to see that the individual flowers are tiny little things (called florets — meaning little flowers) only a few millimeters in diameter. Individual flowers are usually grouped into larger aggregates called, appropriately, heads. Heads are grouped into still larger structures called inflorescences.
Typically not planted in formal garden settings because of its spreading rhizomatous growth and self-seeding. Plants grow as somewhat unexceptional mounds of green foliage until the flowers explode into bloom in late summer. Meadows, wild gardens, and cottage gardens where plants can naturalize. Good choice for challenging areas with poor soils where other types of plants are difficult to grow.
