Goldenrods

Goldenrod is a perennial herbaceous plant that thrives in open, sunny habitats. Its small, bright yellow flowers grow in spikes or clusters. It flowers profusely from late summer to early fall.

Species found in Quebec

Goldenrods of the genera Solidago and Euthamia include more than 125 native species across North America. Of these, fewer than ten are found in Quebec, including:

• Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)
• Giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea)
• Rough goldenrod (Solidago rugosa)
• Grey goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis)
• Grass-leaved goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia)

Morphology and variations 

Depending on the species, goldenrods range in height from 20 cm to 2 m. The leaves of the species found in Quebec grow either alternately along the stem or in a basal arrangement at the base of the plant.

Leaf size often decreases gradually along the stem. Their shapes vary—lanceolate, oval, linear, or oblong.

The foliage is usually a vivid green, and some species have fine hairs on the undersides of their leaves.

The small yellow flowers form pyramid-shaped panicles (Solidago) or flat-topped corymbs (Euthamia graminifolia). The fruits are achenes, typical of the aster family. They are dry and indehiscent, meaning they do not open when mature. Light to dark brown in colour, each fruit contains a single seed.