Solidago arguta
forest goldenrod
 
Forest Goldenrod (Solidago arguta) is a clump-forming perennial native to the woodlands and forest edges of New England, where it thrives in part sun to light shade and drier soils. Unlike many of its sun-loving relatives, S. arguta is adapted to dappled light.
 
It associates well with fellow woodland natives such as Symphyotrichum cordifolium (Blue Wood Aster), Polygonatum biflorum (Solomon’s Seal), and Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit), forming a layered understory community.
 
Ecologically, Forest Goldenrod is a valuable late-season nectar source for a variety of native bees, including Lasioglossum and Andrena species, as well as syrphid flies and butterflies such as Danaus plexippus (Monarch).