Minnesota Wildflowers


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Solidago nemoralis (Gray Goldenrod)

Plant Info
Also known as: Field Goldenrod, Old-field Goldenrod
Genus:Solidago
Family:Asteraceae (Aster)
Life cycle:perennial
Origin:native
Habitat:part shade, sun; dry fields, prairies, along roads, open woods
Bloom season:August - October
Plant height:1 to 3 feet
USDA PLANTS database:Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:

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Detailed Information

Flower: 7+petals panicle

[photo of flower] A spike up to 7 inches long of ¼ inch yellow flowers, each with 4 to 9 petals (ray flowers). Many small branches make up the spike; the flowers tend to grow on only one side of the branch. The spike usually leans or arcs over to one side.

Leaves and stem: alternate basal simple

[photo of leaves] Leaves are somewhat variable in shape, from long and narrow to nearly spoon shaped, but are generally wider towards the tip and gradually taper at the base, becoming progressively smaller as they ascend the main stem. The tips may be rounded or have blunt points and there are often a few small teeth on the edges in the tip half of a leaf. Attachment is alternate; small leaflets often grow in the leaf axils. The texture is rough; color is gray-green. The main stem is covered in short white hairs.

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  • Prairie Restorations - Bringing people together with the land

Map of native plant purveyors in the upper midwest

More photos

Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN August-September 2007

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?

Posted by: Pat in Meeker co
on: 2010-11-06 09:53:39

I found a plant growing in the prairie near a railroad track. Very diminutive and attractive looking. I collected seeds this past week.

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