Goldenrod growth patterns

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Date

Fall 2014

Abstract

Introduction
The goal of our study was to characterize the morphology of tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima) plants in different locations of the DePauw Nature Park.

Methods
We selected four locations for our study: Creekside Trail (CT), Rail Trail (RT), Quarry Bottom (QB), and near Field Station (NFS). At each location, we measured height, leaf length, and dry weight of ten plants.

Results
Plant height and leaf length varied significantly among the locations. Plants were taller and had longer leaves at the Creekside Trail and Rail Trail. Plants were shorter and had shorter leaves in the Quarry Bottom. There was no difference in flower weight among the locations. There was no relationship between flower weight and plant height.

Discussion
Our results suggest that tall goldenrod plants allocate energy and resources differently depending on their specific location.

Comments

Completed as part of Ecology class, BIO 342, Biology Department, DePauw University.

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