Species of Goldenrod in North Carolina

Goldenrod is a common herb sized plant that thrives in areas with poor soil, such as road sides, wastelands and recently torn earth such as construction areas. Rather than contributing to hay fever, Goldenrod pollen is actually too heavy to become airborne, and the plant is regularly used by herbalists to treat kidney infections and other ailments. It is used as a companion plant in the garden to attract insects that are helpful to a garden and repel pests. Although there are over 100 species of Goldenrod, only eight are appreciable in any appreciable quantity in North Carolina. Here are some basic tips to identifying the species of Goldenrod in North Carolina.

Silverrod

Silverrod (Solidago bicolor), also known as White Goldenrod, is a southern species of Goldenrod that is home in poor soil of roadsides and edge of forests throughout many of the southeastern states of America. From September through October,Silverrod blooms with stiff, long stems of tight clusters of small, silvery-white flowers that give the plant its name.

Roan Mountain Goldenrod

Roan mountain Goldenrod (Solidago roanensis) was first identified on the North Carolina mountain is its namesake. The range of this plant is limited to the Appalachian mountains. It is a relatively compact plant with upright stalks of bulbous clusters of golden flowers.

Gray Goldenrod

Gray Goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis) is a very common species that can be identified with a quick look when it is in bloom during the fall. Unlike other Goldenrods, it has broad clusters of yellow flowers which fan up and away from the plant. When it is not bloom, Gray Goldenrod can be distinguished by its gray green stems with short, narrow green leaves.

Rough-leaved Goldenrod

Rough-leaved Goldenrod (Solidago rugaso) is widespread throughout the eastern side of the North American continent. This is a particularly easy species of Goldenrod to identify, with the coarsely textured leaves that are its namesake, as well as its long, narrow flower heads of bright gold that jut this way and that during the autumn months. This is a great addition to any garden of native plants.

Slender Leaved Goldenrod

Slender Leaved Goldenrod (Solidago tenuifolia) can be found in the marshes and swamps of North Carolina, but it is fairly widespread in other areas of the country. This goldenrod can be identified by being the most wiry of all the Goldenrods , with herb-like stems and leaves that are as narrow as rosemary. The clusters of yellow flowers in September and October are not nearly as showy as most pieces of Goldenrod.

Tall Goldenrod

Tall Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis or Soldago alissima) has a long history of being used medicinally as a folk remedy for fevers and burns. As its common name suggests, this Goldenrod grows particularly high, often in excess of 6'. Tall Goldenrod can also be identified by their rough, long leaves that have three very pronounced veins.

Sources:

Wildflowers of North Carolina. Justice, Bell and Lindsey. University of North Carolina: China. 2005.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldenrod
http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/goldenrod.htm
http://www.herbcompanion.com/Herb-Profiles/Goldenrod.aspx