Solidago ptarmicoides

SIMILAR SPECIES: In Solidago, this species is quite distinctive, and unlikely to be confused with other members of the genus. S. ptarmicoides' corymbiform (flat-topped) inflorescence and white rays eliminate other Ohio goldenrods. However, this species could be confused with the genus Aster, in which it has been placed by some authors, as Aster ptarmicoides. Genetically, though, it is aligned with Solidago and is known to hybridize with several species, although none of the hybrids have been reported from Ohio. If placed in the segregate genus Oligoneuron, the correct name becomes O. album (Nutt.) Nesom.

TOTAL RANGE: VT, NY, and w. Que. to GA, w. to Sask., CO, and AK.

STATE RANGE: The only records are from Ottawa, Van Wert, and Williams counties.

STATE STATUS: 1994 to present: Presumed Extirpated. This species was de-listed for ten years based on a misunderstanding of the taxonomy of Solidago ptarmicoides. It was mistakenly thought that this taxon was of hybrid origin, with one of the parents being Solidago riddellii, and that the correct name was Solidago x luteus (M.L. Greene) Brouillet & Semple. Actually, this element is quite distinct as a species. It does rarely hybridize with S. riddellii, but these hybrids are known as S. x bernardii. The plant that has been called Solidago luteus is a European garden hybrid, and is presumably the result of crossing with Solidago canadensis.

HABITAT: Dry, rocky or sandy open ground or open woods.

HAZARDS: Unknown, but perhaps competition with introduced plant species, or overshading of habitat as a result of succession. Northern Ohio represents the very southern boundary of a part of this species' range; consequently it may have been more susceptible to disturbance or alterations of habitat that may have eliminated or greatly reduced it in Ohio.

RECOVERY POTENTIAL: Unknown.

INVENTORY GUIDELINES: Collect complete flowering and/ or fruiting material. Avoid overcollecting in small populations.

COMMENTS: This species should be sought in appropriate habitats in northern Ohio, particularly on the Marblehead Peninsula, and in the Oak Openings.

SELECTED REFERENCES:

Fisher, T.R. 1988. The Dicotyledoneae of Ohio. Part 3. Asteraceae. Ohio State University Press, Columbus. 280 pp.

Fernald, M.L. 1950. Gray's manual of botany, 8^th Ed. American Book Company, New York, NY. 1632 pp.

Gleason, H.A. and A. Cronquist. 1991. Manual of vascular plants of Northeastern United States and adjacent Canada, 2^nd Ed. The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY. 910 pp.

Voss, E.G. 1996. Michigan Flora, Part 3. Dicots (Pyrolaceae-Compositae). Cranbrook Institute Sci. Bull. 61 and the Univ. of Mich. Herbarium, Ann Arbor, MI. 622 pp.

Division of Natural Areas and Preserves

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Created: 4/1997 Jim McCormac

Database Code: SPNX.K13