How to identify Wrinkleleaf goldenrod (Solidago rugosa)

How to identify Wrinkleleaf goldenrod (Solidago rugosa)

Wrinkleleaf goldenrod, also known as Roughleaf goldenrod

Wrinkleleaf goldenrod is characterized by its robust structure, growing into a clump that reaches 2-5 feet (60-152 cm) in height. This plant features an array of small, light yellow flowers that adorn its stems, typically blooming in September. Its foliage comprises numerous, finely toothed leaves that are distinctive for their rough, wrinkled texture. The stems conclude in a radiant spray of blossoms, attracting various pollinators including butterflies and bees. Wrinkleleaf goldenrod thrives in moist environments, often seen flourishing in wet, sandy conditions.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Wrinkleleaf goldenrod

Robust clump reaching 2-5 feet (60-152 cm) in height.

Tiny bright yellow flowers with 4-8 narrow rays.

Bullet-shaped achene fruit with tuft of hairs for dispersal.

Medium to dark green ovate leaves with prominent veins.

Rough, hairy, unbranched stem ranging from 2 to 6 feet (60 to 180 cm).

Detailed Traits of Wrinkleleaf goldenrod

Leaf Features

The leaves of wrinkleleaf goldenrod are medium to dark green, measuring approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in length and 1.5 inches (4 cm) in width. They have a pronounced wrinkled appearance due to deep veins. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate in shape, with a rough, hairy texture and toothed margins. These distinct features make them notable for identification.

Leaf Shape

Lanceolate ,

Elliptic ,

Ovate

Leaf Type

Simple

Leaf Base

Attenuate

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Acuminate

Leaf Margin

Serrate

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of wrinkleleaf goldenrod bloom from August to October in arching clusters. Each flower is tiny, featuring 4-8 bright yellow rays around 4-8 tubular disc flowers. The rays are typically narrow and delicate, creating a starburst effect. The overall size of each flower head is usually less than 1 inch (2.5 cm). These flowers are often packed densely together, forming showy, spired inflorescences. They emit a mild, pleasant scent that attracts various pollinators.

Corolla Type

Tubular ,

Ligulate

Inflorescence Type

Capitulum/Head ,

Panicle

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Stem Features

The stem of wrinkleleaf goldenrod is rough and hairy, typically unbranched, with a light green to brownish-red color. It is erect and robust, often reaching heights of 2 to 6 feet (60 to 180 cm). The texture of the stem is coarse due to the presence of fine hairs. While generally straight, the stem may vary slightly in thickness, ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 inches (0.2 to 1 cm) in diameter. This distinctive combination of color, texture, and structure aids in the identification of the plant.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of wrinkleleaf goldenrod is a bullet-shaped achene, distinguished by its elongated form and smooth texture. This fruit typically reaches maturity from September to November, signaling the end of the plant's reproductive cycle. The achene is crowned with a fine, short tuft of hairs at its apex, which aids in dispersal. When fully developed, the coloration of the fruit provides camouflage against the plant's foliage, blending with the fall environment. These characteristics are essential to recognize and differentiate the fruit of wrinkleleaf goldenrod from others in the Solidago genus.

Fruit Type

Cypsela

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Wrinkleleaf goldenrod and Their Similar Plants

Canada goldenrod vs. Wrinkleleaf goldenrod: What's The Difference?

The Solidago canadensis, colloquially known as canada goldenrod, is a perennial herb native to North America. This plant can be found growing in a variety of different habitats, and it often forms colonies. In many parts of Europe and East Asia, canada goldenrod is considered an invasive species.

Canada goldenrod vs. Wrinkleleaf goldenrod: What's The Difference?

The canada goldenrod is widespread across North America and is now widely spread in many countries around the world. A single plant can have as many as 1,500 flower heads and is considered as a dangerous invasive plant worldwide.

Seaside goldenrod vs. Wrinkleleaf goldenrod: What's The Difference?

Seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens) is a flowering plant species that grows well along coastal beaches, dunes, and salt marshes. Seaside goldenrod blossoms grow in brilliant yellow clusters. The leaves are waxy and thick, which is how they adapted to the drying effects of salt spray in their environment.

Early goldenrod vs. Wrinkleleaf goldenrod: What's The Difference?

Early goldenrod (Solidago juncea) is a species of goldenrod that has one of the earliest bloom periods of all goldenrods, and usually makes its first appearance in the middle of the summer. Grow it in well-drained soil in direct sun. It even thrives in dry soil. Remove dried up clusters of flowers to encourage further growth.

Bluestem goldenrod vs. Wrinkleleaf goldenrod: What's The Difference?

Bluestem goldenrod (*Solidago caesia*) is a small species of goldenrod. Bluestem goldenrod is a perennial with dark green leaves and sprays of yellow flowers. The stems turn blue-gray as the plant matures which is why it was given the name bluestem goldenrod.

Gray Goldenrod vs. Wrinkleleaf goldenrod: What's The Difference?

Gray Goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis) is not usually planted in gardens because its extensive root growth can disrupt other plants. However, if you have a bare patch of land where nothing else seems to grow, gray Goldenrod might be a perfect candidate for it. Another name for it is “Old Field Goldenrod.” It’s indigenous to North America

Showy goldenrod vs. Wrinkleleaf goldenrod: What's The Difference?

Showy goldenrod is a clumping perennial wildflower found across the United States, with tall golden spikes of flowers. It grows well in moist or dry conditions, and provides food late in the season for wildlife such as bees, birds, and deer.

Silverrod vs. Wrinkleleaf goldenrod: What's The Difference?

Silverrod (Solidago bicolor) is a perennial shrub that has a long flowering season lasting from summer until fall. Clusters of white daisy-like flowers grow along a flower stem attracting butterflies and bees. The sap from the plant is poisonous to deer and rabbits. Prefers full sun and is drought-tolerant. Perfect for a rock garden or as a ground cover.

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Key Facts About Wrinkleleaf goldenrod

Attributes of Wrinkleleaf goldenrod

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

91 cm to 1.8 m

Flower Color

Yellow

Gold

Fruit Color

White

Stem Color

Green

Red

Brown

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Wrinkleleaf goldenrod

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

Family

Daisy

Genus

Goldenrods

Species

Wrinkleleaf goldenrod (Solidago rugosa)

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Distribution Map of Wrinkleleaf goldenrod

Wrinkleleaf goldenrod is native to eastern North America. It is often found in wetland margins, swamps, and disturbed habitats. It has been introduced to Southwest China and some European countries where it is reported as invasive.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Wrinkleleaf goldenrod

A Comprehensive Guide to Wrinkleleaf goldenrod How to Grow and Care for Wrinkleleaf goldenrod