Thank you, Joe. After looking it up, I think I may not want to let this continue to grow. Darn it. I should have known it was invasive just by the incredibly rapid growth! Jan

Yep, Sitka Spruce Picea sitchensis. Remember spruce cones are erect at pollination (more efficient pollen gathering ability), it is only later as they develop towards maturity that they turn down to become pendulous (for more efficient seed release). "Does the old chestnut about flat needles versus round needles work for all species?" - no; some spruces (e.g. Sitka, Brewer's, Serbian) have flat needles, some firs (e.g. White) don't. Resin

You are correct that it is not native. It's actually European. It grows just as well and blooms actually better in Nebraska, where I first met it. The La. iris folks tend not to like it because it will over-run the Louisianas, a problem with many introduced species. There are yellow Louisiana irises too, and there are hybrids of I. pseudacorus that have better manners. I happen to like I. p., but I don't grow it 'cause I like the louisianas better. I do have one hybrid, I. 'Roy Davidson', that looks very much like the species but stays put and doesn't take over. It has a little more brown in the flower but is quite similar.

Goldenrod and asters put on a beautiful fall display when few other plants are blooming. Many people find the plants desirable as evidenced by the varieties and cultivars of asters and goldenrod sold at garden centers and nurseries. Both are perennials and will spread but then most perennials spread where growing conditions are good for them. FataMorgana