Asteraceae, the daisy, sunflower, or composite family.
Description:
Plant:
Upright, mostly smooth, terminally branching stem, 2'-4',
with numerous narrow leaves topped by loose, rounded clusters of small,
yellow flower heads.
Flowers:
Small, yellow heads about 1/4" long, with 10-20 ray flowers
and 8-12 disk flowers, in rounded terminal clusters (panicles) containing both
small leaves and flowers.
Leaves:
Alternate, linear to lanceolate, narrow and pointed, 2"-4" long,
with mostly smooth margins.
Mostly with three, sometimes five veins.
Fruit:
Dry, seed-like, on downy hairs.
Blooming:
August-October
Habitat:
Old fields, roadsides, sometimes brushy areas with woody plants.
Comments:
This plant was formerly classed with the goldenrods (genus Solidago);
recent genetic studies made the case for a new genus.
The new common name, Goldentop, was created at the same time.
The plant is also known as Flat-top Goldenrod, Lance-leaf Goldenrod
(though another species, S. lancifolia,
native to the Southeastern US is more often called that) and
Grass-leaf Goldenrod.
Very common in our area, growing mixed with Canada Goldenrod
(Solidago canadensis), though not usually in such dense stands.
Where to find it:
Scattered in open areas throughout the park, often in association with the
more common Canada Goldenrod.