Asteraceae: Solidago missouriensis
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Family Name
Asteraceae
Common Name
Missouri goldenrod
Native American Name
Lakota: čhaŋnúŋǧa hú pteptéčela
Description
Solidago missouriensis is a perennial, herbaceous plant with a fibrous root system and short, thick rhizomes, often forming loose clumps rather than dense colonies. Mature plants typically reach 30–90 cm in height. The stems are erect, slender, often reddish at the base, and usually sparsely hairy or nearly glabrous. Leaves are alternate, simple, and mostly linear to narrowly lanceolate, with the largest basal leaves reaching 10–25 cm long and 0.5–2.5 cm wide; upper stem leaves are much smaller, 2–10 cm long and 2–7 mm wide, and become progressively reduced toward the inflorescence. Leaf margins are entire to slightly toothed; upper surfaces are green and smooth, while lower surfaces are usually paler and may be slightly hairy. Petioles are present on basal leaves (up to 5 cm long), but upper leaves are sessile. Flowering occurs from July to September, with the inflorescence forming a narrow, arching or one-sided panicle (raceme-like) up to 20 cm long, with numerous small, bright yellow flower heads. Each involucre is bell-shaped, 2.5 to 4.5 mm long, with several overlapping, green to yellowish, lanceolate phyllaries. Each head contains 5–12 yellow ray florets (2–3 mm long, 0.5–1 mm wide) and 3–8 yellow disc florets. Stamens are five per disc floret, with yellow anthers about 1–1.5 mm long, forming a tube around the style. The pistil consists of a single compound ovary per floret, with a slender style about 2 mm long and a bifid stigma. The fruit is a small, ribbed cypsela (achene), 1–2 mm long, brownish when mature in late summer to early fall, each topped with a single row of white to pale brown pappus bristles, 2.5 to 3 mm long. Missouri goldenrod is native to South Dakota, found throughout the state in prairies, open hillsides, roadsides, and dry, sandy, or rocky soils in full sun.
Horticulture Notes
Seed collection: Usually from September to October when seeds mature and dry.
Germination: Seeds germinate best in well-drained soil with light exposure;60 day cold stratification can improve germination or plant in the fall.
Vegetative Propagation: By division of rhizomes.
Soils: Prefers well-drained sandy or rocky soils, tolerates dry conditions.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Water: Prefers dry to moderate moisture, drought tolerant. Does not tolerate prolonged wet soils.
Additional Notes
Missouri goldenrod is valued for its role in supporting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, especially during summer and early fall when it blooms. It also provides seeds and shelter for small birds and wildlife. In horticulture, it is used in prairie restorations, naturalized plantings, and erosion control, particularly in drier sites. The plant’s drought tolerance and adaptability make it valuable for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. While it is generally well-behaved, its tendency to spread via rhizomes means it may need occasional management.