Gray goldenrod

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Gray goldenrod

Gray goldenrod

Gray goldenrod leaf

Gray goldenrod inflorescence

Gray goldenrod

Gray goldenrod

Gray goldenrod

Gray goldenrod leaves

Gray goldenrod

Gray goldenrod leaves

Gray goldenrod

Gray goldenrod inflorescence

Morphology

Stem

Erect, 1-10, often clustered, finely-hairy with grayish or whitish pubescence.

Leaves

Alternate, upper leaves different shape than lower; basal leaves well-developed, spatulate-ovate to oblanceolate, 2-8 inches long, 1/3 to 1.6 inches wide, surfaces finely-hairy with grayish or whitish pubescence, conspicuous mid-rib, lateral nerves less prominent, arranged feather-like; margins shallow-toothed to entire; tip pointed; base tapering to winged stalk; mid and upper stem leaves linear-oblanceolate; margins entire; sessile; progressively reduced upward.

Inflorescence

Panicle, long and narrow to pyramidal, 3 to 10 inches long, 1-4 inches wide, tip sometimes drooping; branches often long, spreading, curved downward; heads directed to 1-side.

Flower

Involucre narrowly bell-shaped, 1/6 to 1/4 inch tall; bracts ovate to linear-lanceolate, unequal, overlapping , margins fringed; ray florets 4-9, short, yellow; disk florets 3-10, yellow.

Fruit

Achene, cone-shaped, ribbed, short-hairy, tipped with numerous white, hair-like bristles, enclosing small seed.

Ecology

Habitat

Prairies, old or fallow fields, dry open woods, eroded slopes, thickets, roadsides; sandy soils.

Distribution

East 1/2 of Kansas.

Practical Information

Uses

Native Americans boiled the roots and used the liquid to treat jaundice and kidney disorders. The leaves were boiled and the liquid used as a wash for burns and skin ulcers. The Navajo burned the plant as incense. The seeds were used for food.

Additional Notes