Native to eastern North America, the primary feature that distinguishes this prairie goldenrod from the others is that it is the first to bloom, starting in late July. Tiny yellow flowers grow in loose panicles atop two to three foot plants. The narrow, alternate leaves taper to the base, where small narrow stipules are present. A member of the aster family, each tiny flower has several ray petals and a center of disc flowers. Goldenrods have sticky pollen and are pollinated by bees and a host of other insects. Since the pollen is not airborne, it does not cause allergies.