312 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



in Darlington's American Weeds only a single species is specially named. 

 In the state of New York, especially in the central counties and in the 

 dairy regions, about four species have attracted attention on account of 

 their habits as weeds. These may be named and described as follows: 



1. Solidago nemoi'olis. Usually about a foot in height, the foliage of 

 a grayish-green color. The flowers begin to appear in August — the earliest 

 of the golden rods. This perhaps more than any other species 

 has assumed a pronounced weed-like character, in certain soils and 

 exposures over a wide extent of territory. As a weed it is common in 

 upland pastures, especially in cold and sterile soils. In such situations it 

 drives out grasses and other desirable forage plants almost completely. It 

 may be banished by subjecting the soil to hoed crops for a year or more, 

 and by the proper use of fertilizers. In very poor soils, where this golden 

 rod has secured a firm foot-hold, it is probable that the cost of eradication 

 would exceed the value of the land for farming purposes. The intrusion 

 of this weed into fields not already invaded should be carefully guarded 

 against. 



2. Solidago riigosa. Usually a larger plant than the last, but quite 

 variable as to size. The stem is very leafy, and both stem and 

 leaves are rough with short and stiff hairs. Like No. 1 it is capable of 

 invading fields and pastures and driving out all desirable forms of vegeta- 

 tion. It is, perhaps, less likely to be found on very poor soil. 



3. Solidago canadensis. One of the largest' of the golden rods, the 

 rough, hairy stems often six feet in height. Old plants, after the flowers 

 have faded, are very weed-like in aspect, but in its prime is a stately and 

 beautiful species. Common on the borders of fields and pastures, which it 

 sometimes invades more or less abundantly. Less likely than either of 

 the first two to overrun the soil completely, but is very persistent when 

 once established. 



4. Solidago lanceolata. Smaller than No. 3, the stems being usually 

 two to three feet in height. Common especially along the banks of 

 streams, and in moist soils, and is more or less troublesome along the 

 borders of meadows. It also invades cultivated fields and is more likely 

 than any other golden rod to become a troublesome weed in such situa- 

 tions, largely owing to the fact that its power of propagation by under- 

 ground stems is greater than in other species. 



So far as is known, the different species above mentioned have nowhere 

 received distinguishing popular names, but all are included under the 

 general name of golden rod. 



A. N. PRENTISS. 



