Find Your Ask the Expert: Can you identify this wildflower?
Picture taken at the end of September in Massachusetts. Plant less than a foot tall. In rich soil – not wet. Rays generally only 3. Looks like wingstem but there are no wings on the stem. Thanks! John Kimball
Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:
What you have is a type of Solidago commonly known as Goldenrod. The genus Solidago consists of over a hundred species of woody-based perennials. In Massachusetts, you will find the following Solidago are native:
- Solidago caesia (blue-stemmed goldenrod, wreath goldenrod)
- Solidago canadensis (meadow goldenrod)
- Solidago juncea (early goldenrod, plume goldenrod)
- Solidago nemoralis (gray goldenrod, old-field goldenrod)
- Solidago rugosa (rough-leaved goldenrod)
- Solidago ulmifolia (elm-leaved goldenrod)
I’m not sure which of these species is the one in the photo.
A Few Solidago Facts:
- All Solidago flowers are always yellow.
- There are over 100 species of this woody perennial.
- Solidago plant prefer full sun
- Solidago is considered a wild flower in many places.
- Solidago can be invasive.
- Solidago spp is used in fresh flower arrangements as a filler.
- Solidago can be dried and used in permanent arrangements.
- Solidago has no fragrance.
Hope this information has been helpful.
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My first thought was “that’s ‘real’ goldenrod!!” So pretty, so itchy-eye-making.
Dear Jamie,
Thanks so much for your speedy reply.
I also found your post very helpful and hope that it will narrow the goldenrod options as I try to make a firm identification.
A great service of yours – you may hear from me again with further puzzles!