Golden Rod: Solidago
Golden Rod's (solidago) name originates from the root word solidare. It comes from the sunflower family, and is an erect perennial -which means the plant is active and living year after year. Known as a huge group of weedy herbs, it has no problems growing, and some species are even considered to be a nuisance. This plant grows anywhere from 2 to 3 feet in height, and has alternate leaves, of green, and "terminal panicles of golden flowers, both ray and disk." (Botanical.com, Golden Rod) It consists of numerous branched spikes of bright rayed flowers, as well as pointed leaves some strap-shaped, broader and toothed at the base of the plant. Its stems are usually a reddish color, and arise in-groups of 6 or more. The leaves and stems are covered with tiny gray hairs. The groups of flower heads from clusters that appear crescent-shaped near the spikes. Each plant may have up to 100 flower heads and is approximately a ¼ inch wide. The flowers alone produce about 10-12 seeds, which are "equipped with bristles for dissemination by the wind." (http: www.usgs.gov, Golden Rod.) Golden Rod is usually found in dry grass
In the autumn months you will find about every insect with an interest in flowers on the goldenrod .You will also find the predators of those insects at the plant as well. Wheel bugs and flower crab spiders are known to lay in wait for prey on the tops of goldenrod clusters. Often insects will use the goldenrod clusters as a meeting ground and will breed on the plant. Yellow and black goldenrod soldier beetles are usually seen in pairs on goldenrod plant as well. The goldenrod usually has swollen lumps on its stems, some round and others football-shaped. These are called galls and are home to two different types of insects, which are parasites on the plant. The insect larva receives shelter and protection from predators by living inside the gall and uses the inside of the gall for food. y areas, basically in healthy places and woods, it is very common and is found from Nova Scotia, Canada to Florida, at elevations up to 8,000ft. Goldenrod is also commonly found on roadsides. In order for the plant to flourish the soil's pH level should be between 6.5-7.0, and neutral. The plant also requires full sun to partial sh
Some common words found in the essay are:
Golden Rod, Golden Rod's, Canada Florida, Latin Goldrenrods, Swiss Vulnerary, England European, golden rod, botanicalcom golden rod, golden rod's, botanicalcom golden, flower heads, inside gall, colored flowers, goldenrod clusters,
Approximate Word count = 760
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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