Al Schneider's Rocky Mountains Plant Descriptions

Northern Goldenrod
Solidago multiradiata
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Northern Goldenrod is a very common plant but sometimes is hard to exactly identify because there are several other similar Goldenrods plus the very similar Parry's Goldenrod Oreochrysum parryi. The large number of (usually 13) helps to separate this Goldenrod from others, and the lack of large leaf-like under the flowerhead helps to separate this Goldenrod from Parry's. Also separating the last two is the growth pattern: Northern Goldenrod grows in tight clumps; Parry's grows in many clusters that cover a large area.

The first specimen of this plant was collected in eastern Canada in 1765. "Solidago" is from the Latin "solidus" meaning "whole" or "solid," referring to the plant's supposed ability to heal. Linnaeus named this in 1753. "Goldenrod" is a common name applied to all Solidagos.


©2011 Matt Lavin

Description

from a with stems to 18" but usually shorter. Often numerous and stems form dense clump. Crinkly hairs on upper stem and bases; lower stem leaves and to 6" long and as much as an inch wide, varying in shape and tapering to a conspicuously . tight or loose, usually the former. are green on the tip and have a prominent mid-vein. Rays , about 13, yellow, short (about 1/5" long). an .

Field Marks

Tight clump of and numerous stems; flowerhead with about 13 .

© Al Schneider

A perennial plant lives and blooms for many years.

achene -- a type of simple dry fruit produced by many species of flowering plants. For example, a rose hip holds a few achenes.

A herb is a plant whose stems die back to the ground in the winter.

ray flowers -- The outer petals of a sunflower or daisy are ray flowers.

Bracts are modified leaves associated with a flower.

An inflorescence is a group or cluster of flowers arranged on a stem.

ciliate -- fringed with hairs

fruit -- any seed-bearing structure in flowering plants. It is formed from the ovary after flowering.

basal leaves -- a leaf that grows lowest on the stem of a plant.

petiole -- the stalk of a leaf.

genus -- A subdivision of a botanical Family in which all members have a significant number of similar characteristics.

rhizome -- root-like stems that may either grow horizontally at the soil surface or in other orientations underground.