Aster ptarmicoides
Solidago asteroides
Oligoneuron album

Prairie Goldenrod
White flat-topped Goldenrod

 

 

State Status * CT MA RI VT NH ME
S1 S1   S2 S1  

 

 

 

This species looks like an aster, but is a goldenrod - the only goldenrod that could easily be mistaken for an aster.  Rare throughout New England.  Authorities are not in agreement regarding the correct genus for this species.  Some place it in Oligoneuron, whereas others retain it in Solidago.  It has been known to hybridize with several similar species of goldenrod. 
Ecology: Rocky or sandy places; open woods; Dry, calcareous soils
Blooming Period: August to September
Typical Height Range: 12" to 18"   (3 to 4.5 dm)

 

 What to look for in the field: 

  The capitulescence is corymb-like, with short, pubescent branches.  Heads are few, neither crowded nor in one-sided arrays.
  Stems are thin, glabrous below, becoming short-pubescent above.
  Leaves are basally-disposed.  Basal and lower stem leaves are often present during flowering.  Leaves are linear to narrowly oblanceolate, reduced in size upward.
  Both ray and disc florets are WHITE.

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* State status data obtained from the NatureServe website and from published state natural heritage data.  Click link for a list of state status codes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

11/16/2009