Sometimes the plant is slightly hairy, and occasionally the lower leaves are oval in shape, and furnished with stems. The bloom begins at the tip of the spike, whose gesture deserves the name of “rod” more nearly than its more graceful sisters. If not well-nourished the blossoms are apt to be ragged, and dingy in color. [Illustration: WHITE GOLDENROD: S. bicolor.] *Plume Goldenrod.* _Solidago juncea._ Found in August and September, in grassy fields, growing to the height of 2 or 3 feet. The graceful and elegant stalk is smooth, round, and shining. Color, light yellow-green. The upper leaves are lance-shaped, long-pointed at either end, with entire margins; they spring from the stalk with a noticeable arch. The lower leaves are larger, more nearly oval, lengthening to a margined base or stem; they are sometimes sparingly notched. In arrangement alternate, with small leaves putting forth from the angles. Color, a yellowish-green. The ray flowers are from 8 to 12 in number. The heads are arranged, in little spires, along the upper sides of slender stems, which form a long, spreading, curving plume. This is perhaps the handsomest of the clan in growth. It dries well for winter decoration. [Illustration: PLUME GOLDENROD: S. juncea.] *Common Goldenrod.* _Solidago Canadensis._ *Tall Goldenrod.* Found by the wayside, hedgerows, thickets and fields, everywhere; common: blossoming in August and September. The round, leafy stem is stout and tall, sometimes reaching to the height of 6 feet; it is rough-downy, or hairy, to the touch, and of a light yellowish-gray color. The oval leaf is long, tapering at both ends; usually notched on the edge, slightly rough above, and downy beneath; it is coarse in texture, and in the quality of its green color. The flower-heads are small, and bright yellow; they grow on curving branchlets in a many-sided plume, on the top of the stalk. [Illustration: COMMON GOLDENROD: S. Canadensis--⅔ life size.] *Noble Goldenrod.* _Solidago speciosa._ Found during September growing in dry soil, near the woods often. The smooth, round, single stalk varies from 3 to 6 feet in height. Its color is a fine dark red. The leaf is long and narrow, and tapers at both ends; its margin is entire, the edge being a little rough, and the midrib is strong and curving, and a trifle taut, which fulls the blade; the texture is fine and thick, and the surface is smooth. The color is yellow-green. The leaves are set alternately upon the stalk. The stamens of the disc flowers are long; the rays 5 or 6 in number; full-toned yellow in color. The heads are rather large, and are arranged in a large pyramid-shaped terminal spike.