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Solidago nemoralis (Gray Goldenrod)

Gray Goldenrod, Prairie Goldenrod, Oldfield Goldenrod, Grayleaf Goldenrod, Gray-leaved Goldenrod, Dyersweed Goldenrod, Dwarf Goldenrod, Field Goldenrod

Solidago nemoralis, Gray Goldenrod, Prairie Goldenrod, Oldfield Goldenrod, Grayleaf Goldenrod, Gray-leaved Goldenrod, Dyersweed Goldenrod, Dwarf Goldenrod, Field Goldenrod, Fall perennials, Fall Flowers, Yellow flowers

One of the smallest goldenrods, Solidago nemoralis (Gray Goldenrod) is a rhizomatous perennial forming a clump of upright, gray-downy stems clad with alternate, narrowly lanceolate, gray-green leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm). From summer to early fall, it bears one-sided, bright yellow flower plumes, 4-10 in. long (10-25 cm), on the upper side of gracefully arching stalks, giving the plant a vase-shaped appearance. Attractive to birds, bees, and butterflies, Gray Goldenrod provides a bold splash of color in the late-season garden. Easy to grow, low care, and trouble-free, this goldenrod species is less aggressive than the tall goldenrods. It is a good choice for a wildflower meadow or cottage garden. Great as a cut flower.

  • Grows up to 18-24 in. tall and wide (45-60 cm). Will spread by creeping rhizomes and self-seeding.
  • Performs best in full sun or light shade, in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. It is not fussy about soils and tolerates dry soils and poor soils. Drought tolerant once established.
  • A beautiful plant for cottage gardens, rock gardens, wild gardens, or wildflower meadows.
  • Attractive to birds and butterflies, it is deer resistant.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for rust, anthracnose, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to avoid self-seeding.
  • Propagate by seed or division.
  • Native to North America.
  • Explore 50 stunning wildflowers to enrich your fall garden.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Solidago
Common names Goldenrod
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, South Dakota, Ohio, Kansas, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, Missouri, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Midwest, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Colorado
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Solidago bicolor (White Goldenrod)
Solidago gigantea (Early Goldenrod)
Solidago altissima (Tall Goldenrod)
Euthamia occidentalis (Western Goldentop)
Solidago canadensis (Canada Goldenrod)
Euthamia graminifolia (Grass-Leaved Goldenrod)

Recommended Companion Plants

Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (Aromatic Aster)
Ruellia humilis (Wild Petunia)
Monarda punctata (Spotted Bee Balm)
Liatris aspera (Rough Blazing Star)
Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass)

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Solidago (Goldenrod)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Solidago
Common names Goldenrod
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, South Dakota, Ohio, Kansas, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, Missouri, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Midwest, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Colorado
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Solidago (Goldenrod)
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