Velvety goldenrod facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Velvety goldenrod |
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| 1913 illustration | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Solidago
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| Species: |
mollis
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Solidago mollis is a beautiful North American flowering plant. It belongs to the aster family, just like sunflowers and daisies! People often call it the velvety goldenrod, soft goldenrod, or Ashly goldenrod. These names come from its soft, fuzzy leaves.
This plant naturally grows in the central parts of the United States and Canada. You can find it mostly in the Great Plains region. It stretches from the Canadian Prairies all the way south to Texas and New Mexico.
About the Velvety Goldenrod
The velvety goldenrod is a type of plant called a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years. It also means it does not have a woody stem like a tree.
What It Looks Like
This plant can grow to be about 70 cm (2.3 ft) tall. That's almost as tall as a 12-year-old! It has special underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes creep along, helping the plant spread.
Its leaves are quite interesting. They can be shaped like an egg or like a spear (lance-shaped). Each leaf can grow up to 10 cm (4 in) long. If you touch them, you'll notice they are covered with soft, fine hairs. This is why it's called "velvety"!
Its Flowers
When the velvety goldenrod blooms, it produces many small, bright yellow flowers. A single plant can have as many as 300 flower heads! These flowers grow in a branching pattern at the very top of the plant. They create a lovely yellow display, especially in late summer and fall.
