Wrinkleleaf goldenrod facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wrinkleleaf goldenrod |
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| variety aspera | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Solidago
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| Species: |
rugosa
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Solidago rugosa, also known as the wrinkleleaf goldenrod or rough-stemmed goldenrod, is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the sunflower family, which is called Asteraceae. This plant grows naturally in North America. You can find it across eastern and central Canada, from Newfoundland to Ontario. It also grows in the eastern and central United States, from Maine down to Florida and over to Texas. It usually likes to grow in places that are wet or have a good amount of moisture.
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About the Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod
Solidago rugosa is a plant that comes back every year. It has rough leaves and can grow up to 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) tall. Most of its leaves grow directly from the main stem. One plant can have as many as 50 stems. Each stem can have between 50 and 1500 small yellow flowers. These flowers bloom in late summer and through the fall season.
You can tell this plant apart from a similar one called Solidago ulmifolia by looking at its roots. Solidago rugosa has roots that spread out underground, like creeping stems. Also, the bottom part of its leaves connects to the stem more suddenly.
Different Types of Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod
Solidago rugosa is a plant that looks a bit different depending on where it grows. Scientists have found five main types, or varieties, of this plant. They are:
- Solidago rugosa var. aspera - This type is common in the eastern parts of the plant's range.
- Solidago rugosa var. celtidifolia - You can find this type along the coast, from Texas to Virginia.
- Solidago rugosa var. cronquistiana - This one grows in high mountain areas in Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
- Solidago rugosa var. rugosa - This is a common type, often found more in northern areas and the Appalachian mountains.
- Solidago rugosa var. sphagnophila - This type grows in cedar swamps, from Nova Scotia down to the coast of Virginia.
Protecting the Plant
The wrinkleleaf goldenrod is common in most places where it grows. Because of this, it is not usually listed as a plant that needs special protection. However, in Connecticut, one specific type, Solidago rugosa var. sphagnophila, is a special concern. It is thought to have disappeared from that state.
Growing Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod
People sometimes grow Solidago rugosa in their gardens because it is a pretty plant. There is a special type called ‘Fireworks’ that is very popular. It even won an award called the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Traditional Uses by Native Americans
The Iroquois people, a group of Native Americans, used the wrinkleleaf goldenrod for medicine. They used the whole plant to help with problems like feeling sick to their stomach. They also made a special tea from the flowers and leaves. This tea was used to help with dizziness, weakness, or feeling unwell from too much sun.
Images for kids
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An illustration from 1913
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Growing in a place where land has been disturbed
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A stalk of flowers.
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