Gray Goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis)

Gray Goldenrod

(Solidago nemoralis)

kcthetc1

Public Domain

Image By: kcthetc1

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Estimated Native Range

Summary

Solidago nemoralis, commonly known as Gray Goldenrod, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to dry open woodlands, prairies, and fields in the USA east of the Rocky Mountains. It typically grows to a height of 8–40 inches tall, emerging from a branching underground caudex. This species features 1 to 6 erect stems, sometimes more, which are reddish to gray-green with lines of short, white hairs. The inflorescence is a spreading array that can carry up to 300 flower heads, each with 5 to 11 yellow ray florets surrounding up to 10 yellow disc florets. The flowers bloom in late summer and fall and are quite showy, attracting a wide variety of pollinators. The fruit is a rough-textured cypsela about 2 millimeters long, tipped with a pappus of bristles slightly longer.

Gray Goldenrod is valued for its wildlife-friendly attributes and is often used in butterfly gardens and naturalized areas. It is a low-maintenance plant that provides late-season color and is relatively drought-tolerant once established. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, though it can tolerate a range of soil conditions. While it is not typically aggressive, it can self-seed in optimal conditions. Gardeners should be aware that, like other goldenrods, it may be mistakenly blamed for causing hay fever, which is actually caused by wind-pollinated plants such as ragweed that bloom at the same time.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 1-3 feet
Width: 0.5-2 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: Yellow
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to dry open woodlands, prairies, and fields east of the Rocky Mountains

Other Names

Common Names: Old-Field Goldenrod , Gray-Stem Goldenrod , Field Goldenrod , Dwarf Goldenrod , Prarie Goldenrod , Dyersweed Goldenrod , Grey Goldenrod , Grey-Stemmed Goldenrod , Old Field Goldenrod , Wood Goldenrod

Scientific Names: Solidago nemoralis , Aster hispidus , Solidago nemoralis f. nemoralis , Solidago nemoralis var. haleana , Myctanthes axillaris , Solidago nemoralis subsp. elongata , Solidago nemoralis subsp. haleana , Solidago nemoralis var. arenicola , Solidago nemoralis var. typica

GBIF Accepted Name: Solidago nemoralis Aiton