Friends, This area was cleared of trees and shrubs last year, and this is one of the things that are coming up this year. Anybody know what it is?
It would help to know what part of the country you're in Nate. It sort of looks like a weed we get here in Tennessee.
I agree with Carolyn. The flowers are very pretty in a wild flower sort of way, but it so easily spreads, it becomes a scourge in no time.
Goldenrod has been used for centuries as a medicinal plant. It is used as a fabric dye. It grows in areas of poor soil where most plants will not. And Butterflies, bees love it so it's a great plant for bringing them in where they will find your other plants and help pollinate them too. It can be invasive but if you have an area that you want to leave wild, it would be perfect. It has no specific insect pests or diseases and is relatively maintenance free. It is not allergenic (a look-a-like called Ragweed is though). Solidago canadensis (Canada Goldenrod) this is only one of about 60-130 species but one of the most common ones available in garden centers. It has been long considered a weed because of it's rugged growth habits.
There are a myriad of native Solidago species. They are important sources of nectar for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds in the fall.
Friends, Thanks for all your suggestions. I had to wait for it to flower to decide. I turns out to be Horseweed, Conyza canadensis. Appreciate the help. Nate
