BOTANICAL AND ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
SPECIES: Solidago canadensis | Canada Goldenrod 



GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS : 
Canada goldenrod is an erect, rhizomatous perennial herb growing to
heights of about 6 feet (1.8 m) and forming large clonal colonies
[13,38,39].  Alternate leaves surround the central stem with the larger
leaves occuring on the lower stem.  Flowers are borne on numerous small
flower heads.  The fruit is an achene [30].  The rhizomes arise mostly
from the base of the aerial stems, and are usually 2 to 5 inches (5-12
cm) long [27,30,34].


RAUNKIAER LIFE FORM : 
   Hemicryptophyte


REGENERATION PROCESSES : 
Canada goldenrod reproduces from seed and from creeping rhizomes
[25,30].  The flowers are self-incompatible and are pollinated by
insects.  The seed is wind dispersed, with most seeds fslling within
6.5 feet (2.0 m) of the parent plant [38].

Vegetative reproduction: Canada goldenrod reproduces from rhizomes after
the first year of growth.  One erect stem usually forms at a rhizome
node.  Each rhizome can produce a single shoot from its apical tip
[2,38].


SITE CHARACTERISTICS : 
Canada goldenrod occurs on abandoned farmlands, infrequently grazed
pastures, waste areas, and tallgrass prairies [38].  It is also found
along roadsides and fence lines, in dry open fields, and in open woods
or damp meadows that dry out every year [18].  It can tolerate a fairly
wide range of soil fertility and texture conditions, but is typically
found in fairly moist soils.  It is not found on waterlogged sites and
is found only rarely on very dry sites [31,38].



SUCCESSIONAL STATUS : 
Obligate Initial Community Species

Canada goldenrod is fairly shade intolerant although it occurs in
sparsely wooded areas [38].  It is one of the first species to invade
following disturbances including fire [23].  Canada goldenrod is
eventually replaced by shrubs [32].


SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT : 
Canada goldenrod rhizomes are usually produced in late autumn and lie
dormant during the winter months.  Shoot extension occurs the following
spring [38].  Canada goldenrod flowers from July through September,
although the length of its flowering season varies with geographic
location.  Seeds are gradually dispersed during the autumn and winter
[3,20].

Related categories for Species: Solidago canadensis | Canada Goldenrod