Characteristics:

The smallest of the goldenrods, they consist of up to 6 unbranching stems that are densely covered in tiny white hairs. Climbing up the stems are alternating, gray-green lanceolate to oblanceolate leaves that range from 1 to 4 inches in length, and are about .75 inches in width, also clad in tiny white hairs. The leaves toward the bottom are larger with winged petioles and toothed margins. While in bloom, flower plumes of bright yellow pinnacles 4 to 10 inches in length arch one-sidedly from the upper section of the stem. When the blooms are spent, they are replaced with achenes. These bright yellow flowers attract the likes of bees and butterflies. They are often mistakenly blamed for many allergic reactions in humans, however it’s more likely ragweed or similar plants that produce wind-borne pollen. 

Gray goldenrod prefers soil with low fertility such as gravel, clay, and sandy soils. This is why it is often found along roadsides, meadows, prairies, thickets, sand dunes, fallow fields, and dry open woods. 

Etymology:

Solidago comes from the two greek words, solidus and ago. Solidus means whole and ago in reference to healing properties in plants. Nemoralis is latin for “growing in the woods” which likely refers to a common place the plant is found. 

Pests and Diseases:

“Susceptible to rust, anthracnose, powdery mildew and leaf spot. Root rot may occur in poorly-drained soils. Potential insect pests include several different types of beetles, aphids and gall-forming insects.” (MBG)

Traditional Uses:

“The entire plant was put to use by many Native American communities that lived in regions with goldenrod. The roots were used for issues relating to kidneys. All parts of plant were used to make a wash or poultice that helped with skin ailments such as burns or ulcers. In addition, the leaves made a tea that was useful in treating colic, asthma, measles, and headaches.” (Moerman, D. (1998) Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, Portland, OR. )

Solidago nemoralis Gray Goldenrod

Type: Herbaceous perennial

Family: Asteraceae

Height: .5 to 2 ft

Spread: .5 to 2 ft

Bloom: Yellow, August to September

Sun: Full sun

Water: Dry to medium

Propagation: Seeds with wind distribution, rhizomatous

Tolerates: Deer, drought, clay soil, shallow-rocky soil

Attracts: Butterflies

Plant Communities