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, 3'-4' tall forb with smooth stems
Leaves: lance-like with a blunt tip, flat, mostly hairless, long-stalked, often with teeth above the middle, upper leaves obviously smaller, long and narrow with short to no stalk, and pointing upward
Flowers: head with 6-8 short, yellow rays; inflorescence a flat-topped cluster of many heads; blooms Aug.-Sept.
Fruits: 3-5 angled, smooth, dry seed on fluffy pappus
Habitat: full sun; moderate moisture to wet; prairies, swamps, beaches, bogs; in sandy, loamy, limy soil
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 9, Wetland Indicator = OBL 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