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Missouri goldenrod

Also known as: prairie goldenrod

Solidago missouriensis Nutt.

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Missouri goldenrod
Missouri goldenrod leaves
Missouri goldenrod heads
Missouri goldenrod
Missouri goldenrod inflorescence

Morphology

Stem
Erect or ascending, single or clustered, usually unbranched, glabrous.
Leaves
Alternate, simple, mostly sessile, linear-lanceolate to oblanceolate, 2 to 5 inches long, 1/4 to 1 inch wide, conspicuously 3-nerved, somewhat rigid, glabrous; margins entire to toothed; tips pointed; smaller leaves often clustered in axils; upper leaves reduced; lower leaves often absent at flowering.
Inflorescence
Panicle-like, usually wider than tall, terminal; lower branches downward curving; heads only on upper side of branches, less than 1/5 inch wide; bracts firm, greenish; tips broadly rounded.
Flower
Ray florets 7-13, less than 1/5 inch long, yellow; disk florets 8-13, yellow.
Fruit
Achenes, tiny, glabrous or sparsely hairy, tipped with numerous white bristles, enclosing small seed.

Ecology

Habitat
Dry open prairies and roadsides.
Distribution
Throughout Kansas.

Practical Information

Uses
Native Americans relieved toothaches by chewing goldenrod roots.

Additional Notes

Comments

The earliest blooming goldenrod. Its roots can reach 6 feet long. Missouri goldenrod increases in overgrazed pastures.

Quick Facts
Plant Type
Wildflower
Family
Asteraceae - Sunflower Family
Life Span
Perennial
Height
1-3 feet
Last Updated
2007-10-05
Color Groups
Yellow Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Blooms: July, August, September, October