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Springflowering goldenrod facts for kids

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Springflowering goldenrod
Conservation status

Vulnerable (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Genus:
Solidago
Species:
verna
Synonyms
  • Aster vernus (M.A.Curtis ex Torr. & A.Gray) Kuntze 1891 not L. 1753

The Spring Goldenrod, also known as Solidago verna, is a beautiful flowering plant. It is part of the aster family, which includes many well-known flowers like daisies and sunflowers. This plant grows naturally in the states of North Carolina and South Carolina in the United States. It is special because it is the only type of goldenrod in its area that blooms in the spring!

What the Spring Goldenrod Looks Like

The Spring Goldenrod is a perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years and grows back each spring. It can grow to be about 1.2 meters (4 feet) tall. It usually has one main stem that stands straight up and is a bit hairy. This stem grows from a tough, woody base called a caudex, which is like a thick root or stem base.

Its leaves can be up to 16 centimeters (6.4 inches) long. They have jagged or "serrated" edges, like a saw. These leaves are attached to the main stem by special stalks called petioles, which have small wing-like parts.

The plant's flowers grow in a cluster called an inflorescence. These clusters have many bell-shaped flower heads. Each flower head is actually made up of many tiny flowers! There are usually 7 to 12 yellow ray florets (these look like petals) around the outside. In the center, there are 14 to 27 yellow disc florets, which are the tiny flowers that make up the middle part of the flower head.

Where the Spring Goldenrod Grows

The Spring Goldenrod can be found in several different types of natural areas. These include sandhills, which are sandy, hilly areas, and pine barrens, which are open woodlands with pine trees. It also grows in pocosins, which are a type of wetland with dense shrubs.

More specifically, it likes to grow in places where these habitats meet, called ecotones. It also thrives on river terraces along the Little River and in wet pine flatwoods. These are all places with specific soil and water conditions that the Spring Goldenrod needs to grow well.

Why the Spring Goldenrod Needs Protection

The Spring Goldenrod faces some challenges that threaten its survival. One big problem is the loss of its natural home. Land is often cleared for new buildings, farms, or for growing trees for wood (this is called silviculture). When this happens, the Spring Goldenrod loses the space it needs to grow.

Another issue is fire suppression. In some of its natural habitats, like pine barrens, occasional natural fires are important. These fires help clear out old plants and make space for new ones to grow. When fires are stopped, the habitat can change in ways that make it harder for the Spring Goldenrod to thrive. Protecting these special places is important to help the Spring Goldenrod continue to bloom each spring.

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