Canadian Goldenrod Gall: The "Ball" on the Stem

A Saskatchewan/Ontario angler asked about a 2-ft plant with a ball on the stem containing a tiny larva used for crappie bait.

ID: Canadian Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis / S. altissima)

The **"ball" is a gall** formed by the plant in response to a fly egg laid in spring. The larva overwinters inside. A classic ice-fishing bait.

Identifying Unknown Plants: Plant Name Authority: The "(L.)" After Species Names; Identifying a Slow-Growing, Fast-Blooming Bamboo-Like Plant; Understanding Botanical Author Abbreviations (e.g., L.); Plant ID: Sweet Olive (Osmanthus fragrans) and Its Care; Lemon-Scented Plant Identification: Plectranthus Australis; Identifying and Caring for Gasteria bicolor (Formerly 'Wart Plant'); Identifying a Fast‑Growing Succulent: Crassula or Euphorbia?; Identifying Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis); Identifying "Dancing Dolphin Vine": Likely a Columnea Hybrid; Identifying "Weeping Blank Serious": It's Night-Blooming Cereus

Garden Articles

Plants