Common Names: Wreath Goldenrod, Blue-stemmed Goldenrod, Woodland Goldenrod, Axillary Goldenrod

ITIS lists two varieties, and USDA lists none:
var. caesia: – wreath goldenrod: strongly arching stems with narrowly lanceolate mid-stem leaves.
var. zedia: found in the wet lowlands of the SE, weakly arching stems with broadly lanceolate mid-stem leaves.

Note dark blue/purple round, arching stem, flowers in leaf axils with short petioles. Alternating sessile leaves with serrate to toothed edges.

The very similar S. curtissii (and to some a variety of S. caesia) stem has ridges and is more erect.

Piedmont, SC
TRAIL: Stevens Creek Preserve
HABITAT: xeric hardpan forest
ELEVATION: 60 m (190 ft)
BLOOM TIME: 07-OCT