Taxonomy

Solidago virgaurea L., Sp. Pl. 2: 880. 1753.

Common name

European goldenrod, woundwort

Description

Propagule or dispersal unit is the fruit with pappus. Fertile part 2-4 mm long, 0.3-0.8 mm wide, in side view widest in upper part (obovoid), +/- straight, the upper (apical) end narrowing, rarely suddenly cut off (truncate), in cross-section round (terete) or flattened, basal scar (carpopodium) pronounced and well-differentiated, central, beak (=thinner sterile stalk between seed and pappus) absent, wings absent, fruit surface light brown or straw, smooth (except at cellular level), with simple straight hairs, thickened margin absent, longitudinal ribs present, rarely absent (by misinterpretation), 5-12(-15), their surfaces smooth, with simple straight hairs.

Pappus type bristles / hairs, pappus elements all +/- similar, up to 3.5-6 mm long, in one row, pappus elements numerous, persistent or elements falling off individually, the individual bristles rough / serrated (barbellate), +/- equal width along length, white / translucent.

Notes: The three Solidago species included in this key can be differentiated by the size of their fruits. Solidago canadensis has a fertile part of less than 1 mm in length, Solidago gigantea 1-2 mm, and Solidago virgaurea 2-4 mm.

Ecology

Perennial herb, fruit wind-dispersed. Temperate to Mediterranean areas, on well-drained usually acidic soils. Often found in woodlands, heaths, tall herb communities, riversides and coastal cliff-tops.

Native range

Widespread across Europe, northern Africa, central and southwestern Asia including China, India and Turkey.

Past interceptions (Australia): origins

Germany.

Other or unidentified species of the genus also from Canada, United States, Spain, France, Slovakia, Hungary, UAE, Sri Lanka, Japan, Korea, Thailand.

Past interceptions (Australia): commodities

Dried medicinal herbs.

Other or unidentified species of the genus also in/on nursery stock, machinery and parts, new vehicles, curry leaves, new tyres.