Solidago simplex (Mountain Goldenrod) - photos and description
Stem leaf in above photo
Basal leaf in above photo, leaf is one-nerved
Basal leaf in above photo, leaf is one-nerved
Stems usually decumbent
General: Perennials with a tufted growth habit, stems usually decumbent upon close inspection but at first glance may appear to be erect. Stems are simple, often reddish in colour, glabrous to sparingly pubescent on lower stems.
Flowers: Inflorescence is a narrow, cylindrical panicle, not secund, not pyramidal. An individual flower was measured at 6 mm long and 9 mm diameter, and the inflorescence at 9.5 cm long. Flower heads more or less glutinous (very slightly sticky).
Leaves: Stem leaves linear to linear-lanceolate, reduced upwards, alternate. The basal leaves are spatulate with a long petiole, one-nerved, often with shallow teeth from mid-leaf to the apex. We measured a basal leaf at 11.5 cm long (including petiole) and 14 mm wide. Leaves puberulent.
Height: Height listed in Budd's Flora to 50 cm, we measured plants to 49 cm tall.
Habitat: Grasslands and open woods.
Abundance: Common.
Origin: Native.
Synonym: Listed in some of the guides we use as Solidago spathulata.
How to identify this species of Solidago: 1) cylindrical-shaped inflorescence 2) stems usually decumbent (need to closely examine plants to see this) 3) heads slightly glutinous 4) leaves one-nerved.
Similar species: This plant might be mistaken for Solidago missouriensis, another low-growing Goldenrod. However, that plant's stems are glabrous, and its inflorescence is not as narrow / is more spreading. The flower heads of S. simplex are glutinous, and its leaves are one-nerved. The leaves of S. missouriensis are three-nerved.
When and where photographed: Took the above photos July 28th meadow in the boreal forest abut 300 km northeast of Regina, SK, and August 12th, meadow in aspen woods, about 250 km east our home in Regina, SK.