Solidago verna

Solidago verna

Vulnerable  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Astereae
Genus: Solidago
Species: S. verna
Binomial name
Solidago verna
M.A.Curtis ex Torr. & A.Gray
Synonyms[1]
  • Aster vernus (M.A.Curtis ex Torr. & A.Gray) Kuntze 1891 not L. 1753

Solidago verna is a species of flowering plant in the aster family known by the common names springflowering goldenrod[2] and spring goldenrod. It is native to North Carolina and South Carolina in the United States.[3][4]

Solidago verna is a perennial herb growing up to about 1.2 meters (4 feet) in height. It produces a single hairy, erect stem from a woody, branching caudex. The serrated leaves are up to 16 centimeters (6.4 inches) long and are borne on winged petioles. The inflorescence contains many bell-shaped flower heads. Each flower head contains 7-12 yellow ray florets surrounding 14-27 yellow disc florets.[5] This species is the only goldenrod in the region that blooms in spring.[4]

Solidago verna occurs in several types of habitat, including sandhills, pine barrens, and pocosins.[4] The three main habitat types are pocosin ecotones, the river terraces along the Little River, and wet pine flatwoods.[3]

Threats to the species include the loss of habitat to development and agriculture, including silviculture. Fire suppression may degrade the habitat as well.[3][6]

References


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