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Tall Goldenrod
(Solidago canadensis var. scabra)
(formerly Solidago altissima) |
Other common names:
Double Goldenrod, Late Goldenrod
Other scientific names:
Solidago altissima, Solidago procera
Family:
Aster Family (Asteraceae), Composite Family (Compositae)
Group:
Goldenrods
Distinctive features:
Gets the "goldenrod galls" - see photos below. Flowers are larger than Canada Goldenrod.
Similar species:
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Late Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) - very similar - stems smooth & glaucous.
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Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) - very similar - flowers smaller
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Early Goldenrod (Solidago juncea) - blooms earlier; has many basal leaves.
Flowers:
Summer, Fall; Yellow; Indistinguishable parts (petals); Yellow, late summer and fall.
Height:
Up to 2 m (6 ft)
Stem:
Sturdy
Habitat:
Open fields
Lifespan:
Perennial.
Books:
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 448
Peterson's Field Guide to Wildflowers: 190
ROM Field Guide to Wildflowers of Ontario: 184
Native/Non-native:
Native
Status:
Very common
Notes:
It is said that this is the only species of Goldenrod in southern Ontario that gets the classic "goldenrod galls" - the nice round ones. So far I have found this to be true. Tall Goldenrod used to be classified as a distinct species, Soldiago altissima, and will still be found in most books this way. Lately it has been reclassified as a variety of Canada Goldenrod, Solidago canadensis var. scabra. Although the differences are subtle, with practice and study these two species/varieties can be differentiated.
This species is sometimes referred to as "Late Goldenrod", probably by mistake.
Origin and Meaning of Names:
Scientific Name: altissima: tall
See Also:
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Goldenrod & Ragweed, from The Monday Garden, by Sue Sweeney
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Goldenrod, Ragweed and Mugwort, from The Monday Garden, by Sue Sweeney
Photographs:
106 photographs available, of which 18 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
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Typical shape/form of Tall Goldenrod. |
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Flowers. |
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Flowers, a closer view. |
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Closeup side view. |
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Goldenrods are insect magnets! A huge variety of insects flock to goldenrod while it's in bloom.
This is a beetle that is often found on various species of Goldenrod, here on Tall Goldenrod. It's often called a "Goldenrod Beetle". |
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The stem is crowded with many leaves, especially towards the top. |
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The stem is fuzzy with short hairs right to the base. |
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A classic Goldenrod gall. It is formed by the larvae of a small fly. |
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You will often find these galls pecked open by birds in the winter. In fact, the grub inside is edible by humans as well. |
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This larva "pre-eats" a channel to the outside world before winter sets in, so that once it pupates into a fly, it will have no trouble getting out. Otherwise it would have quite a job getting out through those tough goldenrod fibres. |
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The grub |
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Yup, it's edible! Ok, ok, don't gross out! It's really no different than many other meats that we eat. |
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A stand of Tall Goldenrod, many of which have the classic Goldenrod galls - these are the bright spots on the stems. |
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Upper surface of leaf. |
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Underside of leaf. |
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