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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