Etymology: Solidago: from Latin solido, meaning "to make whole or heal" and a reference to the supposed, medicinal qualities of these plants
Plants: erect, perennial, 1'-7' tall forb forming large, dense patches; leafy stems not hairy but often with a whitish bloom
Leaves: narrow, pointed at both ends, stalkless, all mostly the same size, sharply toothed, and 3-veined
Flowers: head with 10-17 tiny, yellow rays; firm, blunt, green bracts (phyllaries); inflorescence a 10" open, spreading cluster with the heads mostly along one side of the often backward-curving, long branches; blooms July-Oct.
Fruits: dry seed with short hairs on fluffy pappus
Habitat: dry, moderate moisture, wet; woods, meadows, prairies, shores
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 3, Wetland Indicator = FACW Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USGS - Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin