Solidago missouriensis, the Low Goldenrod! It's a charming and resilient little plant that brings a touch of sunshine to the landscape. Let me paint a picture for you.

Imagine a plant that typically stands less than two feet tall, often closer to a foot. Its stems are usually smooth and reddish, adding a subtle bit of color even before it blooms. The leaves are lance-shaped, somewhat narrow, and have a distinctive three-nerved pattern, which is a good way to help identify it. They tend to be concentrated towards the base of the plant, giving it a slightly basal appearance.

But the real showstopper is when it flowers in late summer and fall. It produces these beautiful, dense clusters of bright golden-yellow flowers. These flowerheads are relatively small but numerous, creating a lovely, soft glow across prairies, open woodlands, and even along roadsides. It's a feast for the eyes and a vital source of late-season nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Low Goldenrod is quite adaptable and can handle a range of conditions, often thriving in drier, well-drained soils and sunny locations. It's a tough little plant, characteristic of the open habitats it calls home.

You might encounter it in the central and western parts of North America. It's a valuable member of the prairie ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity and soil health.

So, when you're out exploring in late summer or fall and spot a low-growing plant with clusters of vibrant golden flowers, take a closer look – it might just be the cheerful Solidago missouriensis, the Low Goldenrod, adding its golden touch to the landscape.

Distributions
foothills; montane; boreal

Light
full-sun

Bloom Period
summer

Height
10 – 40 cm
4 – 16 Inch

Habitat
Open woods and meadows