Canada goldenrod – Solidago canadensis - Plant & Pest Diagnostics

Canada goldenrod flower with a pyramid-shaped panicle-like cluster.

Canada goldenrod – Solidago canadensis

Solidago canadensis L. var. scabra Torr. & Gray

Asteraceae (Aster family)

MI Status

Native

Life cycle

Clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial.

Leaves

Leaves initially develop from a basal rosette. Leaves are alternate, lance-shaped, tapering at both ends, stalkless, usually with toothed margins. Leaves are numerous and crowded along the stem, with soft hairs below and smooth above.

Stems

Erect, up to 7 feet tall, with little to no branching. Dense hairs present.

Flowers and fruit

Golden-yellow flowers are found in dense, pyramid-shaped, panicle-like clusters. The seed is enclosed in a single-seeded, wind-disseminated fruit.

Reproduction

Seeds and extensive creeping rhizomes.

Canada goldenrod flower that is yellow, pyramid shaped, and in a panicle-like cluster. — Canada goldenrod flower

Clump of Canada goldenrod prior to flowering. The leaves are alternate, lance-shaped, and taper at both ends. — Clump of Canada goldenrod

Canada goldenrod rosette with leaves that have toothed margins. — Canada goldenrod rosette

Canada goldenrod leaf close up view of toothed leaf margins. — Canada goldenrod leaf

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Plant & Pest Diagnostics