Nature Walk: Rigid Goldenrod

Autumn color is sometimes summed up with a dramatic photo or description of a colorful hillside of maples, birches or aspens. However, many herbaceous or non-woody plants, also produce a colorful autumn extravaganza on a smaller scale. This single leaf of rigid or stiff goldenrod began the process at the leaf tip where it is already dry and brown. Back lit by afternoon sunlight we can see the details in its venation, its wear and tear, and a subtle shift to red and yellow.