GRAY GOLDENROD, Solidago
nemoralis Ait. 1, basal part of stem and rootstock; 2,
upper stem and flower clusters; 3, flower head; 4, seed.
Perennial, reproducing by seeds and by persistence of the stout,
branched base of the stem. Stems 6 to 30 inches (15 to 75 cm) tall,
hairy, grayish. Leaves on lower part of plant petioled and tongue-shaped;
upper leaves smaller, oblong, grayish-hairy. Flower heads
small, cylindrical in a slender, curving, 1-sided cluster, 2 to 8 inches
(5 to 20 cm) long. Ray flowers few, small, yellow; disk flowers few, small,
yellowish. Seeds oblong, about 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) long, bearing
a tuft of white bristles on the top. Found in recently abandoned
fields, fence rows, and open woods especially on dry sites. A number of
species resembling the one described are found in the region.