Noble Goldenrod.Solidago speciosa.
Found during September growing in dry soil, near the woods often.
The smooth, round, single stalk varies from 3 to 6 feet in height. Its color is a fine dark red.
The leaf is long and narrow, and tapers at both ends; its margin is entire, the edge being a little rough, and the midrib is strong and curving, and a trifle taut, which fulls the blade; the texture is fine and thick, and the surface is smooth. The color is yellow-green. The leaves are set alternately upon the stalk.
The stamens of the disc flowers are long; the rays 5 or 6 in number; full-toned yellow in color. The heads are rather large, and are arranged in a large pyramid-shaped terminal spike.
A strikingly handsome plant, with its strong red stems, which color also tempers the green of its foliage into an excellent harmony with the numerous flowers. Its manner of growth in circular settlements of many plants together is a very individual trait.