Asteraceae : Solidago canadensis
Files
Family Name
Asteraceae
Common Name
Canada goldenrod
Description
Solidago canadensis is a perennial forb with stems arising singly or in clusters from a rhizome and growing from 0.3 m to 2 m in height. The simple, alternate leaves are 3-nerved, 3-15 cm long and 5-20 mm wide, lance-elliptic: broadest near the middle, tapering to a sharp point at the tip and to a stalkless base. The margins are toothed, especially toward the leaf tips and the undersides of the leaves usually hairy. The inflorescence consists of widely varying shaped panicles of bright yellow heads. Each head has an involucre of 3 – 4 series of yellowish green bracts with a total length o 2-4.5 mm. there are 10-18 ray flowers, the ligules yellow and 1-3 mm long, surrounding 2-8 yellow disk flowers. The achenes are brown, oblong, 1 to 1.5 mm long, with white pappus of short hairs. Canadian goldenrod blooms from July to September in moist to drying open prairies and woodlands throughout South Dakota.
Horticulture Notes
Seed Collection: Collect seeds in late summer and fall.
Germination: Seeds are dormant and are best planted in the fall.
Vegetative Propagation: Clusters of plants can be separated in the spring.
Soils: Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Water: Tolerates moist to dry soils.
Additional Notes
Canada goldenrod is a showy addition to any wildflower garden. Bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers. These plants are highly variable and there are several taxonomic varieties that have been described. Selection of a seed source is important when choosing what to plant.