Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 5389117

Missouri Goldenrod

Solidago missouriensis

Also known as Prairie Goldenrod, Missouri Prairie Goldenrod

Missouri goldenrod produces plume-like sprays of vibrant yellow flower heads that illuminate open grasslands from midsummer into autumn. Smooth, reddish stems and three-veined linear leaves emerge from spreading underground rhizomes, forming dense clonal colonies across dry prairies. These hardy perennials play a vital ecological role by offering rich nectar reserves to migrating butterflies, native bees, and beetles late in the season.

Prairie NativeLate BloomerPollinator Magnet
Missouri Goldenrod reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Alison Northup, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Mammalian Grazers
  • Grasshoppers
  • Goldenrod Gall Flies
ThreatsHabitat loss from agricultural conversion and widespread herbicide use
HabitatsDry prairies, plains, pastures, roadsides, open oak savannas
Life spanPerennial (colonies survive for decades via rhizomes)
Classification
  1. OrderAsterales
  2. FamilyAsteraceae
  3. GenusSolidago
  4. SpeciesSolidago missouriensis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Best Viewing Season: Look for bright yellow floral plumes blooming from July through October across prairies.
  • Identification Cue: Inspect the central stems for a smooth, hairless texture to distinguish from hairy goldenrod species.
  • Habitat Spotting: Search dry, sunny uplands, roadside margins, and intact prairie remnants.
Related species
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