Houghton's Goldenrod (Solidago houghtonii)

This yellow-flowering plant growing in its typical dune habitat at Grand Sable Dunes. Photo Credit: Unknown

Global Rank: G3 - Vulnerable
Legal Status: Federally Threatened
Family: Asteraceae
State: CAN, MI, NY, ON
Nature Serve ID: 139974
Lifeform: Forb/herb
Date Inducted in National Collection: 01/01/1985

Description:

Solidago houghtonii is often accepted as a distinctive species, but its origins continue to be clouded. It is usually a hexaploid and thought to be a naturally occurring hybrid, but the actual parents are the source of controversy. Potential parents could be S. ptarmicoides, S. ohioensis, and S. riddellii whose offspring then crossed back with another S. ohioensis. Adding to the confusion, the New York populations are slightly different and might add S. uliginosa to their parentage. (Morton 1979; Semple and Ringius 1983; Michigan Natural Features Inventory 1996) Like many goldenrods, Houghton's is known for its small, bright yellow flowers at the top of an 8-20 inch stem. The flowers are arranged in a flat-topped cluster. The well-scattered leaves are smooth, narrow, 4-5 inches long, and slightly clasping at the base. The fine hairs on the branches of the flower cluster are also distinctive. Flowers appear most frequently in August. (Michigan Natural Features Inventory 1996)

Where is Houghton's Goldenrod (Solidago houghtonii) located in the wild?

Habitat:

This species is restricted to the shores of the Great Lakes, primarily Lake Huron and Michigan. The plants are usually found on moist, neutral to alkaline sandy lakeshores, and in shallow depressions between low sand ridges. Unlike the sandy habitat, they can also be found on seasonally wet limestone pavement of alvars. They may be subjected to fluctuating water levels and can be submerged during high water years, but seedlings reestablish themselves on the moist sand when the low water years come again. (Michigan Natural Features Inventory 1996; Ostlie 1990)

Distribution:

Historically located in Michigan, New York, and Ontario

States & Provinces:

Houghton's Goldenrod can be found in Canada, Michigan, New York, Ontario

Which CPC Partners conserve Houghton's Goldenrod (Solidago houghtonii)?