Ouachita Mountain goldenrod facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ouachita Mountain goldenrod |
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| specimen in Missouri Botanical Garden | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Solidago
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| Species: |
ouachitensis
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Solidago ouachitensis is a North American species of flowering plants in the aster family known by the common name Ouachita Mountain goldenrod. It has a very limited range, found only in the Ouachita Mountains along the border between Arkansas and Oklahoma in the United States.
Solidago ouachitensis is a perennial herb growing up to about 1.1 meters (44 inches) in height. It produces one or more erect stems from a woody caudex. The serrated (toothed) leaves are 10 to 13 centimeters (4.0-5.2 inches) long around the middle of the plant and smaller higher on the stem. One plant will produce 25-50 bell-shaped flower heads. Each flower head usually contains one yellow ray floret and 4-5 disc florets. Flowering occurs in September and October.
Solidago ouachitensis is likely a relict of times when conditions were colder and wetter. It only occurs in the cooler, moister sites in the Ouachita Mountains, usually in wet forest habitat on north-facing slopes. Associated species include Magnolia tripetala, Fagus grandifolia, Acer rubrum, Quercus rubra, Aesculus glabra, Asarum canadense, Campanula americana, Panax quinquefolium, Toxicodendron radicans, and Hybanthus concolor.
