A Solidago from Diane P, SC

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Hi, Dr. Hill,
This plant was grown from seed collected in the Fall Line region and began blooming at the end of August. Original plant was growing in full sun on a slope along a rural road. Photographs were taken Sept. 2. I suspect this is one of those tricky identifications, so I’ve sent plenty of photos.
Thank you.
Diane

Hi Diane,

tricky indeed! It appears to be one of the 39 or so species of Solidago known in the Carolinas. I probably cannot be certain of the species, but I can give you at least two possibilities to check. Your plant has racemose inflorescences that are very leafy bracted at the base; the number of branches is surprising – usually these have fewer branches. Because of this, I suspect it is one of the following goldenrods: Solidago erecta, or Solidago petiolaris. The latter is more pubescent than the former.  Your pictures continue to be excellent in their detail! I would not have been able to even get this far otherwise.

Sincerely,

Steven R. Hill, Ph.D., Botanist, SCNPS

 

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