The Relationship Between Light intensity and Tall Goldenrod Productivity Across Greencastle Fields

Authors

• Erniya Jean Jacques '29, DePauw University
• Rose Keith, DePauw UniversityFollow

Files

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Fall 10-1-2026

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of environmental conditions, specifically light availability and climate variation, on the growth and productivity of Solidago altissima (tall goldenrod) across four field sites in Greencastle, Indiana (including sites associated with DePauw University, such as Prindle, Ullem, QA, and NP). By sampling 160 specimens across contrasting light environments (sunny vs. shaded plots) and comparing data between 2024 and 2026, the project evaluates key physical traits including plant height, biomass, and light intensity (μmol). Findings indicate a trade-off in energy allocation: plants in shaded conditions invest more energy into height growth to capture limited sunlight, whereas individuals in sunny environments allocate energy away from height and toward other traits. Ongoing work aims to compare multi-year datasets to assess how broader climatic shifts influence goldenrod productivity over time.

Department

Department of Biology, DePauw University, Greencastle, IN

Project Mentor

Dr. Rose Keith

Funding and Acknowledgements

Funded by DePauw Unviersty.

Recommended Citation

Jean Jacques, Erniya '29 and Keith, Rose, "The Relationship Between Light intensity and Tall Goldenrod Productivity Across Greencastle Fields" (2026). Annual Student Research Poster Session. 261.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/srfposters/261