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invasive plant #936625

Asked June 24, 2026, 8:14 AM EDT

hello - this plant spreads fast and thick through a perennial garden and also through big patches of our semi-wooded lot. These pictures are from April when I first pulled out a bunch. They haven't flowered yet which makes it hard for me to identify them. They proliferate quickly with roots/shoots along the surface. Pretty easy to pull out after a rain, but I'm wondering what plant this is.

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for the question.

This is goldenrod in the genus Solidago. I don’t know the precise species due to the absence of flowers. My best guess is that it is Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) or tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima). Regardless of the species it is a very difficult plant to eliminate. I suspect that it would be a significant challenge for you to do this it in your semi-wooded lot. This may be a plant that you will just have to live with, at least in certain locales. See the following for further information on the plant and possible eradication methods:

https://www.prairienursery.com/resources-guides/controlling-canada-goldenrod-in-a-prairie-restoration/

https://driftlessprairies.org/research-and-science/goldenrod-science-based-management-techniques/

https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FNR-643GoldenRodADA-final-comp.pdf

https://blogs.cornell.edu/enychp/vegetables/weed-of-the-week-goldenrod/

Complete eradication of this weed will be a multiyear endeavor. Good luck. Thanks for consulting us.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 24, 2026, 6:36 PM EDT

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