- Description:
Upright stems are scattered in loose colonies among the grasses. Alternate leaves are
lance-shaped and prominently three-veined. The small, yellow flowers are crowded into
heads that curve to one side at the top of the plant.
- Comments:
The spherical galls commonly seen on goldenrod stems are caused by the goldenrod gall fly.
The flowers are frequented by bees, butterflies, flies and beetles. Grasshoppers, moth
larva and leaf beetles feed on the foliage. These insect visitors are vital to the
survival of newly-hatched grassland birds. Many types of birds eat the goldenrod seeds. Solidago
means “to make whole or sound,” and attests to the medicinal properties of the
plants. One of the earliest goldenrods to flower, Missouri Goldenrod is found on upland
prairies statewide.
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