Sorry, pic showing roots of plant #3 didn’t post. Here it is

The first might be rough goldenrod, Solidago rugosa.

Are the second and third different? I have both goldenrod and some type of aster that looks similar to that, but I think that at least one of 2&3;is a different type of goldenrod than 1.

Yes, they are different, but not very. #3 has more leaves and a darker stem than #2. They both have the same growth pattern -- large quantities, primarily in clumps.

I’ve been meaning for a while to update some of my posts. I really appreciate the helpful info I’ve gotten virtually every time I’ve asked for an ID and I thought you’d be interested to see what the plants I inquired about early in the growing season turned out to be. But first, one lesson I’ve learned is that I should put a marker next to plants that are mixed in with others for ease of reference. This post was challenging in that regard, so I just did my best. Also, the photos I inserted are tiny, not sure whether they’ll will re-size when I post.

Goldenrod #1, photos taken late August. Solidago canadensis, perhaps?

Actually, that probably was goldenrod # 2. I believe this is goldenrod #1. (Ignore the big evil weeds on the left.)

Plant #2 was a lovely aster. Unlike the goldenrods I was able to take a picture when it was in full bloom. It was abuzz with pollinators!

Your 'aster' (due to botanist reclassification) is probably Boltonia. It's a prolific flowering weed (due to reseeding).

Thanks! Is it really considered a weed? For me there’s no question whether it’s in the right place. I love it, the bees love it and, most of all, I’m thrilled that it’s something I don’t have to fight (unlike the the mint, poke weed, j. knotweed and other invasives that have overrun that plot).

Not a weed where I live. In a wettish environment it will truly be 1000 flower aster.

I have similar aster type plants in my yard. Even have the same japanese honeysuckle growing up it in some places!

What is the giant plant behind the goldenrod?

Thanks dandy_line, I was wondering whether it would thrive in a moist environment — I have just the spot. Skip1909, to the left, I think that’s just more goldenrod. There’s a raised bed behind the goldenrod in the foreground which might account for the height. If you mean to the very far left that might be the edge of a patch of Jerusalem artichokes. I don’t know what the plant on the right is. I looked for a better pic of that one but couldn’t find anything super helpful.