This perennial is a species of wet open habitats. It dies to the ground in winter and emerges each spring. Strap-like basal leaves, about one inch long, are soon formed, but these are easily overlooked amidst the grasses and other forbs with which it grows. It makes its full appearance in late spring to fall when the thin 1-3 foot tall flower stalks produce their numerous canary yellow blooms. As its common name implies, the flowers do not have ray petals, like many other asters. The tubular flowers are packed into flattened heads that look a bit like candelabras. Plants are often found in colonies, and these are striking during their several-week blooming season. They also attract the attention of pollinators.
Florida is home to two species of rayless goldenrod. I have posted previously on B. nutallii. The latter species is quite rare in Florida, found only in excessively well-drained sandy habitats, and has leaves that are even narrower than those shown above.
Coastalplain rayless goldenrod would make a beautiful addition to a wet prairie garden, but its need for moist to wet soils precludes its use in most home landscape settings. it is not currently offered for sale by any nursery associated with FANN - the Florida Association of Native Nurseries.
I love this site. I am a volunteer with Conservation 20/20 in Lee County. I record plant observations on INaturalist from visits to the preserves. I’m not a plant specialist but am finding that my passion is growing, and much of that has to do with what I’ve learned here. You do such a good job in explaining features, behavior, needs. This helps to lock in what I’m learning. I’m also turning my yard into native habitat again based on what I’ve seen in the field and learned from you. Thank you so much for maintaining such a quality site. I would love to be a follower of your blog if that’s OK.
ReplyDeleteThank you and good luck with your work.
Delete