Goldenrod

Vegetative shoots.  Key characteristics: shoots emerge from underground rhizomes in the early spring.  Width of leaf and hairiness vary by species.

Flowering plant.  Key characteristics: the plant is upright in its growth habit and produces yellow flowers.

Leaves.  Key characteristics: alternate, lack petioles, have three main veins and leaf hair varies depending upon species.

Flower.  All goldenrods have yellow flowers.

Seed (Solidago altissima).  Seed have a feathery pappus attached and the length is approximately 2.0 mm (without the pappus).

Life cycle: perennial.