A tall, leafy herb, growing to a height of 30 - 175 cm.

Description

Distinguishing Features - Leaves: dark green, lanceolate, finely hairy, with 3 prominent veins, usually toothed; very pointed at the tip; crowded and numerous on the stem, less toward top of stem. Flowers: yellow, small heads 2 cm wide, of 10 to 17 ray and disk flowers; heads clustered in a plume shape at the top of the stem; blooming late summer and fall. Fruit: dry, single-seeded, nut-like, hairy, white bristles, akin to tufts of hair, help in their dispersal.

Habitat

Native; across Canada and throughout the United States; under a variety of conditions but prefers meadows and open forests; low to mid elevations; disturbed areas.

Notes

Due to its medicinal qualities the Goldenrod received the scientific name solidago from the Latin words solidus and ago, meaning "to cure".

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