Family: Asteraceae - SUNFLOWER FAMILY, ASTER FAMILY (Compositae)
Genus: Solidago from Latin solidus 'whole' and ago 'to make' (to make well)
Species: multiradiata means 'with many rays', refers to many flowerheads
aka Mountain Golden Rod. Bright yellow flowerheads tightly cluster on stems, 2" - 12" (5 - 30 cm) tall, which rise from interesting tongue-shaped basal leaves. The leaves are 1"- 4" and are bright green as opposed to the usual gray-green of most alpine plants. Each flowerhead, 1/4' - 1/2", has 13 or more ray flowers surrounding 10 -30 disk flowers. While common in rocky flats and slopes, as well as in crevices in trail retaining walls, it is also found in grassy meadows. Usually found at between 5,000' to 7,500' elevation, but also at lower elevations. (ref. Blackwell, Clark)
Trail Notes:
Trail/Hike: First Burroughs Mtn. - south
Date: August 10, 2007
Location: approx. 0.50 mi. west of Emmons Overlook, aka Burroughs Loop Trail (photo)
