Kingdom Plantae Genus Solidago Higher classification Goldenrod | Order Asterales Scientific name Solidago altissima Rank Species | |
 | ||
Similar Goldenrod, Daisy family, Eurosta, Solidago canadensis, Solidago gigantea | ||
Tall goldenrod solidago altissima
Solidago altissima, the Canada goldenrod or late goldenrod, is a North American species of goldenrod widespread across much of Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico. It is common in much of its range, and fairly tolerant of landscapes which have been disturbed by humans. It has become naturalized in many parts of the world.
Contents
- Tall goldenrod solidago altissima
- Bumblebee queen on solidago altissima
- Description
- Classification
- References
Bumblebee queen on solidago altissima
Description
Solidago altissima is one to two meters (40-80 inches) tall, with fine hairs on the stem. The leaves are located along the stem, not in a rosette near the ground. One plant can produce as many as 1500 small yellow flower heads in a large conical array.
Solidago altissima is self-incompatible, meaning that the pollen from one plant cannot pollinate the female flower parts of the same plant.
Classification
Solidago altissima has diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid populations and morphological variations which has generally led to classifying it into two subspecies, which roughly speaking can be identified as being from the eastern and western parts of the continent. At least in the midwest, it is common to have plants of different ploidy interspersed, with little apparent tendency for one type to dominate even a fairly local geographical area.
Within Solidago, S. altissima is part of the Solidago canadensis species complex, which is classified in the subsection Triplinervae. S. altissima has sometimes been classified as part of S. canadensis.
