Native Plants of the Great Lakes
North Branch Restoration Project:
Native Plant and Seed Collection
Solidago Juncea / Family: Asteraceae
Early Goldenrod, Swink/Wilhelm # 5
FLOWERING: July
SEED TIMING: Mid-September to mid-October
HABITAT: Dry soil, open woods and prairies
DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES: 1.5 to 3 feet high. Short goldenrod
with plumed, nodding inflorescence. Note the tiny winglike leaflets
in the axils of the slim toothless upper leaves. Lower leaves broad,
toothed and tapering into a long margined stalk. Stem and leaves
smooth.
TO PICK: Earliest of goldenrods to ripen. Seedhead opens
with a fluffy white papus. If fully opened can be stripped off the
stem. Can be picked if at least some heads are fluffed out by taking
entire spike. Use clippers if head does not snap off easily to avoid
pulling up plant. Spread out to dry and fluff; then may be stored in
paper bag until ready to process. |
