Gray Goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis): yellow Minnesota wildflowers

Gray Goldenrod

Plant Info
Also known as:	Field Goldenrod, Old-field Goldenrod
Scientific name:	Solidago nemoralis
Family:	Aster (Asteraceae)
Life cycle:	perennial
Origin:	native
Habitat:	sun to part shade; dry fields, prairies, along roads, open woods
Bloom season:	summer to early fall
Plant height:	1 to 3 feet
USDA PLANTS database:	Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:	Long Lake Regional Park Rice Creek Trail Corridor Vadnais/Snail Lake Regional Park

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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:: 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.

More yellow wildflowers. Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN August-September 2007

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