Basally-disposed:   A type of growth habit in which the basal and lower stem leaves are present during the flowering period, and the mid- to upper stem leaves become progressively reduced in size upward along the stem.  Other characteristics of the mid- to upper stem leaves may also be different from the lower and basal leaves.
For the specimen of Solidago puberula shown here, the basal leaves are toothed, and obovate to oblanceolate in shape, tapering to long, winged petioles.  Note that the mid- to upper stem leaves quickly become smaller, narrower, untoothed and have shorter petioles or even no petioles (upper-most).

This type of growth habit is often associated with species that are "clump-forming" (having multiple stems from the same base) rather than "colony-forming" from rhizomatous expansion.   Some species exhibit both forms, however.  Eurybia macrophylla, for example, is basally disposed, but also forms large colonies.

Note also that the basal and lower stem leaves for this type of species may sometimes wither and drop during flowering due to harsh environmental conditions, such as a prolonged drought.

On the other hand, species which are not normally basally disposed may develop fresh "vernal" rosettes toward the end of the flowering period.  It is best to carefully observe the entire plant.