Weeds of Australia - Fact Sheet

Top Scientific Name Synonyms Family Common Names Origin Naturalised Distribution Legislation Management Notes

Scientific Name

Solidago altissima L. subsp. altissima

Synonyms

Solidago canadensis L.
Solidago lepida DC. var. elongata (Nutt.) Fernald (misapplied)

Family

Asteraceae

Common Names

American goldenrod, Canada goldenrod, Canadian goldenrod, common golden-rod, common goldenrod, golden rod, goldenrod, tall goldenrod

Origin

Native to eastern Canada and eastern USA.

Naturalised Distribution

Widely naturalised in southern and eastern Australia (i.e. in the coastal districts of Queensland, in some parts of central and northern New South Wales, in south-eastern South Australia, and in the coastal districts of south-western, north-western and southern Western Australia).

Also naturalised on Lord Howe Island and sparingly naturalised in Victoria.

Legislation

This species is not not currently declared under state legislation in Queensland. However, it has been declared as a Class C Noxious Weed by the Brisbane City Council, because it is toxic to animals or humans. The control objective for Class C Noxious Weeds is containment and reduction, as eradication is not a viable option (i.e. infestations are to be contained and further spread prevented, while the overall size of infestations is to be reduced).

Management

As this species is not a state declared plant, its control is usually not required by law. However, it is an environmental weed and should be managed in sensitive bushland and conservation areas.

Notes

Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis var. scabra) is regarded as an environmental weed in Queensland and New South Wales, and as a minor or potential environmental weed in Victoria.