Solidago cumberlandensis (Asteraceae), a New Species from the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee

Adam Dattilo; Aaron  Floden; James  Beck; Edward E. Schilling

doi:10.3417/20261082

Adam Dattilo Division of Natural Areas, State of Tennessee
Aaron Floden Missouri Botanical Garden
James Beck Wichita State University
Edward E. Schilling University of Tennessee, Knoxville

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3417/20261082

Keywords: Asteraceae, endangered species, endemic, Solidago, Solidago ser. Erectae, Tennessee

Abstract

A new species, Solidago cumberlandensis Dattilo (Asteraceae), is described based on morphological traits and molecular data. This species has a novel combination of diagnostic characters for Solidago L. ser. Erectae (G. Don) Hoffman, where it is provisionally placed, most prominently including an extensive network of stoloniferous rhizomes producing colonies of sterile rosettes that significantly outnumber inflorescence-bearing stems during the flowering season. It is also distinctive for the DNA sequence of the nuclear ribosomal ITS region, differing from all other reported Solidago species. Solidago cumberlandensis has been documented from full-shade to part-sun situations within forested, narrow, flat to gently sloping riparian zones of high-gradient streams flowing through gorges of the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee.