Family: Asteraceae
elm-leaved goldenrod
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'-5' tall forb mostly smooth below the inflorescence; stems leafy, usually one or two from each root
Leaves: coarsely toothed, thin, elliptical, base not tapering to the stalk; larger lower leaves falling early, the smaller upper leaves persist
Flowers: heads with 3-5 yellow rays; inflorescence open, spreading, often taller than wide with the heads mostly along one side of the few, often backward-curving, long, widely-spaced branches; blooms July-Oct.
Fruits: dry seed with short hairs on fluffy pappus
Habitat: dry; woods
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect, perennial, 1'-5' tall forb mostly smooth below the inflorescence; stems leafy, usually one or two from each root
Leaves: coarsely toothed, thin, elliptical, base not tapering to the stalk; larger lower leaves falling early, the smaller upper leaves persist
Flowers: heads with 3-5 yellow rays; inflorescence open, spreading, often taller than wide with the heads mostly along one side of the few, often backward-curving, long, widely-spaced branches; blooms July-Oct.
Fruits: dry seed with short hairs on fluffy pappus
Habitat: dry; woods
Conservation Status: Native
Common in deciduous woods, wooded thickets, shaded banks, shaded rock outcroppings, and wet sandstone cliffs
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 5 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 Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key