Scientific Family
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Solidago sparsiflora, S. arizonica, S. californica, S. canadensis var arizonica, S. californica var. nevadensis and more see USDA.
Other common names
sparse-flowered goldenrod
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
2-1/2 feet
Riparian
Yes
Forms diffuse clones from creeping, slender rhizomes. Stems ascending to erect, sparsely to densely hairy in upper part of the plants. Flower heads numerous, elongated 1-sided clusters.
Stems ascending to erect, nearly hairless below, stiff straight hairs above; leaves in basal clusters and alternate along stems, upper leaves much smaller, slightly serrate; yellow flower heads on one side of branch; fewer ray flowers than disc flowers.
Habitat
Found in road cuts, arroyos, grassy fields and hills, canyon bottoms and intermittent stream beds.
Plant Community
Riparian
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Disturbed Areas
Desert Scrub
Low elevation
2000
High elevation
8500
Flower Characteristics
Flower stems are numerous in showy terminal club-shaped or pyramid-shaped elongated clusters. Flower stems arch gently, flowers are borne on 1 side of the stem. Flowers have obscure ray flowers.
Flower color
Yellow
Flower shape
Daisy or dandelion-like
Tubular
No
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves are 3/4 to 2-1/2 inches long, 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide and rough to the touch, noticeably reduced on upper stems, with 3 conspicuous veins, margins smooth or occasionally toothed.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Covered with stiff hairs, topped with bristles, less than 1/4 inch long.
Fruit type
Achene