Yellow Top Solidago juncea

Solidago juncea, or Early Goldenrod, is a herbaceous perennial wildflower in the Asteraceae family. It is easy to grow and low maintenance once established. It does well in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun and tolerates poor, dry soils including soil with high clay content. It is a forgiving plant and is often found along roadsides and rocky banks, or in open woods. Goldenrod is sometimes blamed for the pollen that causes hay fever, however, that pollen and its irritating symptoms are actually caused by ragweed (Ambrosia species), whose pollen is airborne when goldenrod is in flower. 

As the common name suggests, this is one of the earliest blooming goldenrods, beginning to bloom in July and continuing through August. It is an attractive, slender plant with a delicate appearance. To extend the bloom period, remove spent flower clusters. Early Goldenrod displays a large number of small, bright yellow flowers borne in dense, plume-like panicles on the ends of stiff, narrow-leaved stems that typically grow to 2 to 4 feet tall. The plant is hardy and can take over a small space. To manage growth, you should divide plant clumps every 2 years. Because the genus Solidago contains over 120 species with similar traits and flowers, this particular plant may be confused with one of its many cousins.  Early Goldenrod is moderately deer resistant.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect or disease problems.  Leaf rust is an occasional problem.