A showy, clump-forming perennial, sturdy and tall, between 3 and 8 feet, with green to yellow, or sometimes purplish stems holding a profusion of bright golden flowers 3 to 4 inches across. This is an important nectar source for all the fall migrating butterflies, including monarchs, and is classified as “Special value to native bees” by Xerces. Goldfinches and other birds love the seeds. Native to montane wet meadows and adapted to loamy-clayey soils.  Spreads quickly but by short, shallow rhizomes, so it’s easy to remove unwanted plants. Found naturally occurring in full sun along streams and pond borders and in moist meadows.