This ranges widely across southeastern and Appalachian states, but it is restricted to acid soils in thin woods and openings on subxeric sites (not in cooler mountains). It is a distinctive diploid (2n =18), well-known for its anise-flavored leaves, which can be used for a stimulating tea. No other species of Solidago in Ky. have such chemistry; see also Bohlmann et al. (1980).