Appearance
The plant is erect, often forming colonies. Flowers are small yellow heads held above the foliage on a branching inflorescence.
Naming
In many parts of Europe, Japan and China, it is established as an invasive weed.In eastern and southeastern China, particularly the provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Jiangxi and Shanghai, its invasion has reached pandemic levels and has caused widespread concern. It has been reported that the invasion of the Canada Golden-rod along with other invasive plants, has caused the extinction of 30 native plants in Shanghai.{dead link} In the city of Ningbo, Zhejiang, it has reduced local orange harvests. It is still spreading across China, and sightings have been reported in as far as Yunnan province. Various national and provincial authorities have been on high alert.
In Fukushima it has taken over the rice fields that have been temporarily abandoned because of the nuclear power plant disaster.
Distribution
It occurs throughout North America, in most US states and Canadian provinces.
Habitat
It is found in a variety of habitats, although it is not shade tolerant. It typically is one of the first plants to colonize an area after disturbance and rarely persists once shrubs and trees become established. It is found neither in very dry locations nor in waterlogged ones.References:
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