Boltonia asteroides is a tall perennial with large aster-like flowers (hence the species “asteroides”). It is a member of the Aster family, of course, but the tall, lanky look isn’t what we think of when someone says aster. (1/2)

Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana) is another favorite pass-along plant, just like yesterday’s blue mistflower/ageratum. The common name “obedient” plant comes not from the plant behaving in your garden, but from the flowers holding their position if you move them with your finger. (1/2)

Rambunctious blue mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum) is blooming now and butterflies couldn’t be happier! This plant, once known as a Eupatorium and also known by the common name hardy ageratum, has been a favorite pass-along plant for many generations. (1/2)

Solidago petiolaris is the last in our series on Georgia goldenrods. We'll cover some of the other fall flowers next. This species grows to about 3 feet tall, isn't aggressive, and has fairly large and handsome yellow flowers. (1/2)

This is the goldenrod that you see on the side of the road and the one mistakenly blamed for fall allergies. Tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima), is a perennial, rhizomatous native flower that keeps our roadsides cheerful and our bees/late butterflies happy as a bountiful source of nectar. (1/3)

There are some shade tolerant goldenrods. This one is blue-stem or wreath goldenrod, Solidago caesia. This perennial grows to about 3 feet tall but the stems usually arch away from the center so it may not even be that tall; growth habit is clumping so this is very well behaved. (1/2)

Solidago rugosa is called wrinkle-leaf goldenrod. It’s most often sold as the cultivar ‘Fireworks.’ A compact, mildly-spreading selection, its especially showy panicles of flowers have become popular in landscape design where it has helped champion the cause of native plants in garden design. (1/2)

Here is the other species with the common name “showy goldenrod.” This is Solidago erecta and it is a well behaved “clumper.” When undisturbed, it produces a single long wand of flowers; if nipped by a deer or broken by accident, it will produce multiple shorter stalks. (1/2)

One of two goldenrods that share the name “showy” goldenrod, Solidago speciosa is a tall, handsome clumping form. The individual flowers are fairly large compared to other species. Native to scattered areas of Georgia and all over the eastern US, this is one of the earlier blooming species. (1/2)

Gray goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis) is a clumping goldenrod that is found throughout the upper 2/3 of Georgia and much of the US. The foliage is grayish and the panicles of tiny blooms arch over in a charming way. (1/2)

Here is one species of goldenrod that is very popular in gardens thanks to a cultivar introduced: Solidago sphacelata ‘Golden Fleece’. Low growing foliage serves as a groundcover most of the year. (1/3)

Seaside goldenrod is a coastal species (Solidago sempervirens). While other species are also found in the coastal plain, this one can actually grow near the beach and handle salty conditions. It is native along the coast from Texas to Newfoundland. (1/2)

Solidago gigantea is another earlier flowering species that you might see in wet ditches or low areas. It gets tall like Solidago altissima but the bloom time is slightly earlier and the flower sprays are more open and the stems near the flowers are generally smooth (without hairs). (1/2)

Before we really dig into the goldenrods, let's review ragweed (which is often growing on roadsides). There are several different species of ragweed that you might find in Georgia, and these are the two most common: giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) (1/3)

The turtleheads (Chelone spp.) are blooming now and the pink ones always seem to be first. Turtleheads are native perennials that love moisture. In the wild you might find it in rich woodlands that open up to a bit of sun; you might even find it on the edges of streams and seeps. (1/2)

Folks, it’s time to have the conversation about goldenrod. The goldenrods (Solidago spp) are starting to bloom on the roadside and in fields. With every glimpse of those yellow flowers, people with allergies are getting nervous. But don’t blame the flowers, for goldenrod is not the culprit. (1/4)

Two clematis that look so similar and often are blooming at the same time – one native and one not. Virgin’s bower (Clematis virginiana) is the native vine, with four white petals and toothed leaflets (the edges are jagged) in groups of three. (1/2)

If you were going to have a children’s garden, be sure to include this one as surely kids would get a giggle to have a plant called elephant’s foot (Elephantopus tomentosus). Broad, flat leaves on the ground is what gave rise to this name, no doubt. (1/2)

Many native plants have unfortunately earned nicknames of “weed” and a few deserve them but not ironweed. Ironweed (Vernonia spp.) is a plant that deserves more usage in the garden and more preservation in wild spaces. (1/3)

This is the large-flowered partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) which has flowers 2-3 times larger than the one featured yesterday. In a group, this plant can be quite showy! Equally attractive to bees and larval hosts for sulphurs, both species are annual plants found throughout the state (1/2)

Here’s a native annual that you might be seeing in flower now. This is small-flowered partridge pea (Chamaecrista nictitans). The flowers are pretty small (1/4 inch), for sure, but they still support plenty of small bees and the plant also has “extrafloral nectaries” that reward bees and ants. (1/2)

Thistles (Cirsium spp.) are some misunderstood and unappreciated plants! There are native and non-native ones, of course, and they can spread aggressively. At least seven species are found in Georgia. (1/3)

Starry campion (Silene stellata) is a delicate looking perennial blooming now in the upper half of Georgia. Tall stalks (up to 3 feet) sport a panicle that contains numerous individual white fringed flowers. Leaves are distinctly arranged in whorls of 4 with some opposite pairs as well. (1/2)

The fringed orchids are spectacularly showy native plants. This one is yellow fringed orchid (Platanthera ciliaris), blooming in north Georgia, found in places like open meadows and woods. It is one of about a dozen different species of fringed orchids that are native to Georgia.

Not every blooming plant is a winner with us humans and this camphor weed (Pluchea camphorata) is proof of that. Blooming now, this pink member of the Asteraceae family is often mistaken for a Joe pye weed (Eutrochium). (1/2)

Do you like to support butterflies? Native perennials in the Rudbeckia genus are a beautiful way to do it. This is cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata), one of the few that doesn’t have a dark center. This tall perennial has leaves that are lobed or which appear to be divided or cut. (1/2)

Another summer yellow blooming now is the perennial known as woodland sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus). Often found on part-shade roadsides, this modest but tough plant shines through the grasses and other plants around it, reaching up to 5 feet tall. (1/3)

The summer yellows are gaining steam. We featured one rosinweed (Silphium) in July and more rosinweeds are coming. Likewise, the sunflowers (Helianthus) are showing up too on the roadsides. Let’s start with something else first – a giant of a plant with bear paw-sized leaves! (1/3)

This is another twining, summer pea; it has pink flowers and is known as milkpea. There are several species of milkpea in Georgia, this one’s Galactia regularis. It can be found throughout the state. The flowers, 3-part leaves & fruit pods make it recognizable as in the pea family (Fabaceae). (1/2)

Spurred butterfly pea (Centrosema virginianum) is the second pea vine that we referenced yesterday. It’s similarity to pigeon wings (Clitoria mariana) is enough for most people to do a double-take. Add to that similar leaves, a similar range in the state and similar habit preferences. (1/3)