Solidago altissima Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Family – Asteraceae

Stems:

Leaves:

Inflorescence:

N/A

Involucre:

Flowers:

Flowering – August – December.

Habitat – Old fields, pastures, meadows, roadsides, railroads.

Origin – Native to North America.

Other information – This weedy but attractive species can be found throughout Alabama and is probably found in every county of the state. The plant can be identified by its puberulent stems, alternate-toothed leaves, pyramidal inflorescences, and very small yellow flowers. The involucres of this species are about 3-4mm long.
The genus name Solidago derives from the Latin “solidus” meaning “whole” or “to make whole” and the Greek “ago” meaning “leader”. The name Solidago means “uniter (used as a healing medicine)”.
The species epithet altissima derives from the Latin “alt(i)” meaning “high, tall” and “issim(a)” which is the superlative ending. The name means “the tallest” referring to the plants overall size.

Alabama Distribution:

Photographs taken off CR 31, Clay County, AL., 10-1-05.