Solidago odora aka Sweet Goldenrod

Solidago odora is a perennial wildflower known as sweet goldenrod. It belongs to the aster family. Its native range includes the eastern and southeastern United States. Plants For A Future also lists parts of Mexico. It grows in dry, sandy woods and other open sites. In Missouri, it grows on slopes, in thickets, and near bluffs. Its leaves give off an anise scent when crushed.

Garden plants reach 2–4 feet (0.61–1.22 metres) tall. North Carolina State Extension gives a shorter range of 1–2 feet (0.30–0.61 metres). Mature clumps spread to about 2 feet (0.61 metres). The green stems can be smooth or have soft hairs. Dark green leaves grow in turn along each stem. They are narrow, with smooth edges and no leaf stalks. Parallel veins and clear dots mark their surfaces. Leaves reach about 0.33 feet (0.10 metres) long. The plant loses its leaves at the season's end.

Small yellow flowers form branched clusters above the leaves. These clusters have a plume-like or roughly pyramid-shaped outline. Bloom peaks in August and September. North Carolina State Extension gives a wider season, July through October. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers. The plant also hosts wavy-lined emerald moth larvae. Brown achenes follow the blooms and bear tufts of hairs. Wind carries the seeds, and songbirds eat them. The fruit display can last from August into November.

Sweet goldenrod grows best in full sun with good drainage. It also accepts part shade, poor soil, and dry sites. Sand, loam, and clay can all suit it. It tolerates drought and needs little upkeep. Sources place it in USDA zones 4–9. It forms clumps rather than spreading with force. Plants can grow from seed and may seed themselves. Use it in borders, meadows, or native plant gardens. It also suits cottage, herb, and butterfly gardens. Deer resistance is moderate, and its fire risk is medium.

Serious pest and disease trouble is uncommon. Rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot can still occur. Leaves can make tea, and cooked leaves have food uses. Dried flowers also serve in tea or as flavouring. Plants For A Future lists the small seeds as edible. It records traditional medicinal uses, scented oil, and plant dyes. These records do not establish medical safety or effectiveness. That source reports no known hazards, rather than proven safety.