Happy Fourth of July, folks! This may not be the kind of firework you expected to see today, but rough goldenrod (Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’) could really light a spark in your garden. You know, the kind that won’t burn it down and ruin it.

Since it blooms in September and October, goldenrod is a great way to expand the beauty of your garden beyond the springtime. With its tiny, densely packed bright yellow flowers, you can “ooh” and “aah” at these little fireworks throughout the fall. These handsome blooms also attract butterflies. And remember, even though it may look like an allergy nightmare, goldenrod isn’t the cause of hay fever, ragweed is.