Goldenrod Distinctions

Of the thirty or so species of goldenrod (Solidago) on our continent, at least nine can be found at Halibut Point. They're bright, beautiful, and hard to tell apart. Newcomb's Wildflower Guide has been a helpful source for the clues presented below.

 

(1) Tall goldenrod, S. altissima

Since the individual  flowers are tiny and very similar in appearance, leaves and stems often provide easier keys to identification. Tall goldenrod falls with a group whose leaves are more or less uniform in size and shape the whole length of the stem, or are gradually reduced in size from base to top.

 

Tall goldenrod, S. altissima (detail of photo)

In the case of Tall goldenrod (1), the photo shows that its leaves are three-veined, with two prominent veins running parallel to the midrib. The leaves are remotely toothed, rough above, downy underneath.

(2) Sweet goldenrod, S. odora

Sweet goldenrod (2) is similar but its leaves are not noticeably veined, and their edges are smooth. The leaves are usually anise-scented when bruised.

(3) Elliott's goldenrod, leaf detail

The leaves of Elliott's goldenrod are broader, rougher, and distinctively toothed leaf edges.

Elliott's goldenrod, S. elliottii

(4) Rough-stemmed goldenrod, S. rugosa

Those descriptors fit the Rough-stemmed goldenrod as well. However, the bristly nature of the stems sets this species apart.

Rough-stemmed goldenrod, detail

(5) Showy goldenrod, S. speciosa

Showy goldenrod is yet another species with uniformly-sized leaves.

Showy goldenrod, S. speciosa

 It's flower cluster is unmistakably  large and branching. As the the last species to bloom on Halibut Point, it is particularly satisfying to the eye and to hungry insects.

(6) Grass-leaved goldenrod, S. graminifolia

Grass-leaved goldenrod also branches at the top, forming flattish flower clusters. Its namesake leaves are very narrow.

(7) Early goldenrod, S. Juncea

A separate classification of goldenrods produces flowers in curved, one-sided clusters. Species in this group have basal and lower leaves considerably larger than the upper ones. On Early goldenrod they are sharply toothed, lance-shaped, and tapering gradually to the base.

(8) Gray goldenrod, S. nemoralis

On similar-looking Gray goldenrod the basal leaves are bluntly or obscurely toothed. The stems and leaves are grayish and fine-hairy.

(9) Seaside goldenrod, S. sempervirens

Seaside goldenrod, also with curved, one-sided flower clusters, produces smooth succulent leaves that help it to survive desiccation in windy, salty locations with undependable fresh water.

Seaside goldenrod, S. sempervirens

By appearance and niche the Seaside goldenrod is the easiest to identify and one of the hardiest plants on the shoreline.