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This is one of the goldenrods that has high fidelity to prairies, although it is less common in Illinois than it used to be. Missouri Goldenrod is rather variable and can be difficult to distinguish from other Solidago spp. (Goldenrods). It blooms later than Solidago juncea (Early Goldenrod), but either earlier or about the same time as Solidago canadensis (Canada Goldenrod). Like Early Goldenrod, Missouri Goldenrod has hairless foliage, but its lower leaves have 3 conspicuous parallel veins. The leaves of Missouri Goldenrod often become much smaller as they ascend the central stem (particularly on sterile shoots), while the ascending leaves of Early Goldenrod decrease only slightly in size. Unlike Canada Goldenrod, Missouri Goldenrod has hairless leaves and stems. Another similar species, Solidago gigantea (Giant Goldenrod), is taller than Missouri Goldenrod, blooms later in the year, and its leaves decrease in size only slightly as they ascend the central stem. Return