Solidago virgaurea ssp. alpestris [Mountain Goldenrod]

[nfoto]

Rørslett, B. 2013. Solidago virgaurea L. ssp. alpestris (Waldst. & Kit.) Gremli (Asteraceae). Goldenrod. Flowers photographed in visible and ultraviolet light. http://www.ultraviol...tain-goldenrod/

 

Solidao virgaurea L.

Syn. Solidago virgaurea ssp. alpestris (Waldstr. & Kit.) Gremli (ssp. alpestris); Solidago lapponica With.; Solidago virgaurea L. f. arctica R. W. Hartm.: Solidago virgaurea L. ssp. minuta (L.) Arcang.; Solidago virgaurea L. var. subglabra Neuman (ssp. alpestris)

 

NO: Gullris (ssp. virgaurea); fjellgullris (ssp. alpestris)

SE: Gullris (ssp. virgaurea); lappgullris (ssp. alpestris)

DK: Almindelig Gyldenris

FI: Kultapiisku

DE: Gewöhnliche Goldrute

EN: Goldenrod

 

This is a variable complex comprising numerous races of perennial plants. The complex taken together has a Circumboreal distribution with a centre in Eurasia. The nominal race (ssp. virgaurea) is native to Europe and ssp. alpestris tends to occur in mountains or alpine habitats.

 

The deep yellow flowers are borne in small clusters towards the top of the stems and they are eagerly targeted by pollinators. Flowering is mid or late summer.

 

Plants were collected and photographed in Finnmark Arctic Norway 21 July 2013. They belong to ssp. alpestris. The specimens ranged from 10 to 15 cm in height.

 

Image reference: SOLI_VIR_B1307227469_VIS.jpg

Visible light: Nikon D800, Voigtländer 125 mm f/2.5 APO-Planar, daylight.

 

Image reference: SOLI_VIR_I1307220931_UV.jpg

Ultraviolet light: Panasonic GH-2, Coastal Optics 60 mm f/4 AP lens, Baader U2" (Venus) filter, SB-140 flash.

 

S. virgaurea has a prominent "bull's eye" UV signature. The central area with disc flowers is very UV-dark and thus makes a strong contrast to the UV-bright ray florets.

 

References:

 

http://www.ultraviol...-r%C3%B8rslett/

 

[Published 31 Aug 2013]