This long lived perennial is native to most of the United States and Canada, commonly growing in moist to seasonally wet soils that contain fair levels of organic matter. Waterways, savannahs, road ditches and moist prairie meadows are common places to find this species. As with most goldenrods, it spreads through seeds and rhizomes and can form large patches if allowed to do so. Its bright yellow flowers are in bloom from July-September and are an important stop for many insects and migrating butterflies. Full sunlight to part shade is preferred and with proper conditions it can reach a height of 1-7 feet.