| Solidago sp. | | | | terminal spikes of bright yellow flowers. There is a |
| Family - Composite - DaisyOne of the sure signs | | | | bi-colored species, S. bicolor, in the Eastern United |
| that Summer is drawing to a close and Autumn is | | | | States which is white, or cream, and |
| at hand is the appearance of the bright yellow | | | | yellow.Goldenrods are attractive to a great |
| wildflower, goldenrod. There are over sixty | | | | number of insects. Bumblebees, wasps, butterflies |
| individual species of goldenrods in North America, | | | | and many others can be found gathering a late |
| so this is one wildflower which can be very hard | | | | summer snack on the flowers. The beauty of the |
| to identify. A good wildflower field guide can help | | | | brilliant yellow spikes glowing brightly in the autumn |
| you identify them, but it will take some time and | | | | sun, swaying gently in the breeze is one of |
| careful study of the plant.The goldenrod grows | | | | natures more beautiful sights. In winter, the dried |
| over the entire United States mainland, from frigid | | | | flower heads can be just as beautiful after a |
| Alaska to sweltering Texas, and from California to | | | | fresh snow. The ice crystals cling to the flower |
| New England. So no matter what part of the | | | | heads glittering like jewels in the cold winter |
| country you are in, you are sure to see a | | | | sun.You will find goldenrods in the marginal, sunny |
| member of the Solidago clan blooming in the | | | | areas near forested tracts, along roadsides and |
| Autumn sun.The larger species can grow to | | | | sunny, wild areas along seashores, fields and |
| seven feet tall and are quite impressive in full | | | | parks.Paul Wonning is the owner of Gardens and a |
| bloom. The long, slender stems are branched at | | | | web site about gardening, hiking and other nature |
| the top with a multitude of smaller stems, with | | | | related topics. |