Early goldenrod (Solidago juncea, Hort. Kew. 3: 213 (1789))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Aiton

Bibliography: Hort. Kew. 3: 213 (1789)

Year: 1789

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Solidago

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: C. & E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Early Goldenrod, known scientifically as Solidago juncea, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is a member of the Asteraceae family. Described in “Hortus Kewensis” by Aiton in 1789, this plant is well-regarded for its vibrant yellow flowers that brighten late summer landscapes across its native range.

Predominantly found in Central and Eastern Canada, as well as the Northeastern United States, Early Goldenrod thrives in a variety of habitats, including prairies, woodlands, and roadsides. Its ability to adapt to different environments makes it a resilient and widespread species. The plant typically reaches heights of 1 to 3 feet, producing erect stems that hold clusters of small, golden-yellow florets.

This goldenrod species flowers from July to September, attracting a myriad of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, contributing significantly to local ecosystems. Due to its nectar-rich flowers, the Early Goldenrod plays a crucial role in supporting pollinator populations.

Characterized by its lance-shaped leaves and smooth stems, Early Goldenrod is often recognized for its aesthetic appeal in wildflower gardens and naturalized areas. Its robust nature and minimal maintenance requirements make it a popular choice for gardeners interested in native plants.

Overall, Solidago juncea is not only a visually striking component of the landscape but also an important ecological contributor, beloved by both pollinators and plant enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Eng: early goldenrod, sharp-toothed goldenrod, smooth goldenrod
Fra: verge d’or jonciforme, solidage élancée
En: Early goldenrod, Plume goldenrod, Sharp-toothed goldenrod, Smooth goldenrod
Fr: Verge d’or jonciforme, Solidage élancée

Synonyms

• Solidago juncea f. ramosa ((Porter & Britton) Fernald)
• Solidago juncea var. ramosa (Porter & Britton)
• Solidago ciliaris (Muhl. ex Willd.)
• Solidago juncea f. scabrella (Fernald)
• Solidago juncea var. scabrella ((Torr. & A.Gray) A.Gray)
• Solidago arguta var. scabrella (Torr. & A.Gray)
• Solidago arguta var. juncea ((Aiton) Torr. & A.Gray)
• Aster ciliaris (Kuntze)
• Solidago juncea var. neobohemica (Fernald)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Transcaucasus (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 2, 2021 by Eric Le5 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2022 by mysza1508 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2021 by desiree desiree (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Nick Massicotte (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 9, 2021 by Crystal Osborn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2022 by David Hammond (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2021 by Chad O’Grady (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2022 by Robert Clayton Jr. (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 3, 2008 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2008 (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2013 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 25, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 13, 2015 by EOL − botany08 (cc-by)

Taken Aug 7, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 24, 2022 by PT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 27, 2022 by David Hammond (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2022 by Robert Clayton Jr. (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 10, 2020 by Ken Borgfeldt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2020 by Stephanie Hunter (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 9, 2013 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5389083)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:249633-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Solidago juncea Aiton)

Specifications

Growth