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common wrinkle-leaved goldenrod

Solidago rugosa
Asteraceae

New leaves in early spring
Plants about to produce flowering branches
Developing flower buds
First flowers on spike
More blooms as season progresses
Plants near the boat launch
Plant stunted by mowing
Reduced flowering and fruiting on cut plant
Mature fruit heads on stunted plant

The wrinkle-leaved goldenrod is a native perennial.  Compared to other goldenrod species its leaves really do look wrinkled because the veins are so deeply indented. There are two patches by the boat launch at Salter Grove.  The two patches get different sun exposure despite their proximity to one another to result in different leaf characteristics.  The more shaded patch nearer to the boat launch has thinner leaves that are bluish green.  The patch further west gets more direct sunlight during the day and has thicker leaves that are yellowish green.

Like other goldenrods, this species is a source of late season nectar and pollen for insects like bees, beetles, butterflies, flies, moths, and wasps. The abundant bright yellow flowers along cascading stems look like the arching paths of fireworks.  Moth caterpillars feed on the foliage and songbirds feed on the seeds.  New stems grow along rhizomes of established plants rather than through seed dispersal.