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Solidago sp. Family - Composite - Daisy One of the sure signs that Summer is drawing to a close and Autumn is at hand is the appearance of the bright yellow wildflower, goldenrod. There are over sixty individual species of goldenrods in North America, so this is one wildflower which can be very hard to identify. A good wildflower field guide can help you identify them, but it will take some time and careful study of the plant. The goldenrod grows over the entire United States mainland, from frigid Alaska to sweltering Texas, and from California to New England. So no matter what part of the country you are in, you are sure to see a member of the Solidago clan blooming in the Autumn sun. The larger species can grow to seven feet tall and are quite impressive in full bloom. The long, slender stems are branched at the top with a multitude of smaller stems, with terminal spikes of bright yellow flowers. There is a bi-colored species, S. bicolor, in the Eastern United States which is white, or cream, and yellow. Goldenrods are attractive to a great number of insects. Bumblebees, wasps, butterflies and many others can be found gathering a late summer snack on the flowers. The beauty of the brilliant yellow spikes glowing brightly in the autumn sun, swaying gently in the breeze is one of natures more beautiful sights. In winter, the dried flower heads can be just as beautiful after a fresh snow. The ice crystals cling to the flower heads glittering like jewels in the cold winter sun. You will find goldenrods in the marginal, sunny areas near forested tracts, along roadsides and sunny, wild areas along seashores, fields and parks. |
