Stiff Goldenrod (S. rigida) is easy to I.D. because of its large rigid, oval, opposite leaves. Also, its flowers are larger than those of many other goldenrods. Conversely, Flat-topped, or Narrow-leaved Goldenrod (S. graminifolia) has very narrow - to 1/4" wide - leaves. The leaves, combined with the small flat-topped inflorescences of flowers makes this one easy to recognize.
Zigzag and Blue-stem Goldenrod (S. flexicaulis and caesia), as the names suggest, have easily identifiable characteristics. Zigzag Goldenrod is named for the distinctive zigzag pattern of its stem. It also has large oval, sharply toothed leave, and the small flower clusters grow out of the leaf axils. Blue-stem Goldenrod, in addition to the obvious (the bluish tinted stems, which is due to a waxy film,) has small clusters of flowers growing along the stem from axils with reduced leaves. It sounds more similar in appearance to Zigzag Goldenrod than it really is.
And that's it. Those are the four species of goldenrod I have been comfortable in identifying. The rest? Well, they are the "severest punishment," are they not? And while they may possess no more medicinal value than a sugar pull, they are no less "sun medicine" in my eyes.
And a metaphor. Let's not forget that; they are a bright sunny metaphor, just turn back to last week's article to, you'll see.
"Goldenrods: The Severest Punishment or Sun Medicine?" © 2003 Gregg M. Pasterick - All Rights Reserved.
All Photographs © Gregg M. Pasterick - All Rights Reserved.
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