Solidago sphacelata Raf.

Limestone Goldenrod; False Goldenrod; Autumn Goldenrod

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Autumn Goldenrod is a native herbaceous perennial in the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). It can be found in central and northern Alabama. Autumn Goldenrod occurs in rocky woods, on steep slopes, and on river banks, especially in areas with calcareous soils. Plants are perennial with short to elongate rhizomes. They often form extensive colonies of plants. Leaves are basal and cauline. The basal leaves form a rosette and are present at flowering. Basal leaves are long petiolate (the petiole winged), cordate in outline, pubescent, with sharply toothed margins. Flowering stems are 1-3 feet in height. The stems are pubescent. Stem leaves are reduced in size, ovate to lanceolate in outline, short petiolate, pubescent, with finely toothed margins. Flowers are produced in heads. The heads are arranged in secund, spreading panicles. The heads are narrow with unequal phyllaries. The phyllaries have ciliate margins. There are 3-6 yellow ray flowers and 3-6 yellow disc flowers per head. The fruit is an achene with a crown of very short bristle-like pappus. Autumn Goldenrod is sometimes available from nurseries, with the variety “Golden Fleece” having a compact growth form. Autumn Goldenrod forms an interesting ground cover when not in flower. It is deer and drought tolerant. Autumn Goldenrod prefers a well-draining soil. Plants will grow in shade, but best flowering occurs with some sun.--A. Diamond

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Native

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