Official State Flowers of the United States
Solidago gigantea - Giant Goldenrod
Solidago gigantea – Giant Goldenrod
State of Nebraska Flower
Goldenrod was designated the official state flower of Nebraska in 1895 to “foster a feeling of pride in our state, and stimulate an interest in the history and traditions of the commonwealth.” It was later said by Ida Brockman (daughter of representative John M. Brockman) that the state flower “… has a long season, and nothing could better represent the hardy endurance of Nebraska’s pioneers” (goldenrod flowers appear from July through October).
Solidago gigantea is a North American plant species in the sunflower family. Its common names include tall goldenrod and giant goldenrod, among others.
Solidago gigantea is a perennial herb that reaches heights of up to 2 m (6.6 ft) tall, sometimes spreading by means of underground rhizomes. It often grows in clumps with no leaves at the base but numerous leaves on the stem. At the top, each stem produces a sizable array of many small flower heads, sometimes several hundred. Each head is yellow, containing both disc florets and ray florets.
Solidago gigantea is found in a wide variety of natural habitats, although it is restricted to areas with at least seasonally moist soils.