One of Missouri's most beautiful wildflowers, Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) was the state flower until falsely blamed for causing hay fever. (The real culprit is Ragweed, which blooms at the same time.) A perennial prairie plant, it grows in full sun or part shade, blooming from August to October and attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Songbirds also feed on its seeds. Goldenrod has 67 species and several cultivated varieties. This plant is also known as Noble Goldenrod.