Old-Field Goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis) 



& Old-Field Goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis) 

 Composite Family (Compositae) 



This species has the typical one-sided appearance of the clus- 

 ter which we normally associate with goldenrods. As its name 

 implies, it is common in old fields which have been aban- 

 doned. It is especially beautiful on the foredunes of Lake 

 Michigan in the Miller area of Gary, Indiana, a few blocks 

 west of Lake Street. In this habitat the plant associates with 

 little bluestem grass. 



$? Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida) 

 Composite Family (Compositae) 



This is a flat-topped species, occurring commonly in dry 

 prairie, especially west of Chicago. It consistently associates 

 with the wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) , prairie dock (Sil- 

 phium terebinthinaceum) , and yellow coneflower (Ratibida pin- 

 nate). Sometimes the plants thrive in clay soil, and I once 

 observed it, along with yellow coneflower, invading an aban- 

 doned clay tennis court! 



Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) 



$? Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) 

 Composite Family (Compositae) 



This, our showiest member of the genus, has a marked prefer- 

 ence for sandy soil. A September hike in the dune country is 

 accented by the beauty of these plants. Instead of the one- 

 sided cluster, the flowers aggregate in cylindrical clusters 



Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida) 



which grow quite erect. Goldenrods in general are fine plants 

 to find insects. The two commonest, perhaps, are the soldier 

 beetle (yellow wings with black spots) and the black blister 

 beetle (entirely black). These are often found feeding in the 

 flower clusters. 



& Broad-Leaved Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis) 

 Composite Family (Compositae) 



This illustrates still another variation in the genus. Here the 

 flowers are borne in the axils of the large leaves. The stems 

 tend to be angled and somewhat zigzag. This is a plant of cal- 

 careous woodland (often where rocky). Its most consistent 

 associate is the beautiful Short's aster (Aster shortii) . A word of 

 caution — this goldenrod can become weedy and aggressive in 

 the wildflower garden. 



Broad-Leaved Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis) 



John and Kilty Kohoul 



$? Ohio Goldenrod (Solidago ohwensis) 

 Composite Family (Compositae) 



The Chicago area is underlain with Niagaran dolomitic lime- 

 stone. Where the effects of this reach the surface in the form of 

 limy springs is where the lime-loving Ohio goldenrod is found. 

 In this choice habitat other fine plants occur, including the 

 low calamint (Saturejaarkansana), bog lobelia (Lobelia kalmii), 

 swamp thistle (Cirsium muticum), and marsh betony (Pedicu- 

 laris lanceolata). 



13 



Ohio Goldenrod (Solidago ohioensis) 



John and Kitty Kohoul 



