Solidago odora, commonly called sweet goldenrod, is easily identified by its anise-scented leaves. It typically occurs in open woods, thickets, ravine slopes and bluff bases. Plants typically rise to 2-4’ tall on smooth or downy stems clad with dark green leaves (to 4” long) that are lance-shaped, sessile, parallel-veined, untoothed and marked with translucent dots. When bruised, its leaves smell like anise. Leaves may be used in teas. Branched, plume-like clusters of yellow, daisy-like flowers bloom in August-September. Flowers appear in rows on the upper sides (one-sided) of the plume branching. Goldenrods are attractive to bees and butterflies. This species is also commonly called anise-scented goldenrod or fragrant goldenrod.

Genus name comes from the Latin words solidus meaning whole and ago meaning to make in reference to the medicinal healing properties of some species plants.