Gray Goldenrod

Description

Solidago nemoralis, commonly called Gray Goldenrod or old field Goldenrod, is a native perennial forb (wildflower).  It is one of the smallest species of goldenrod. Flowers bloom from August to November.   Goldenrods have been wrongfully accused of causing hay fever which is actually an allergic reaction to wind-borne pollen from other plants such as ragweed. Some people make tea from the leaves and flowers and report that it helps with ragweed allergies. It’s pretty tasty!

A wide variety of insects visit the flowers for pollen and nectar, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, Sphecid and Vespid wasps, flies, butterflies, moths, and beetles. The seeds, flowerheads, and leaves are eaten by the Greater Prairie Chicken and possibly other upland gamebirds; the Eastern Goldfinch also eats the seeds. Groundhogs, rabbits, deer, and will nibble on them occasionally.

Livestock will browse on Field Goldenrod and other goldenrods occasionally, although they are not preferred as sources of food.

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, slightly acidic, well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers full sun and dry soil. Tolerates light shade. Intolerant of full shade. Likes rocky, sandy soils. Tolerates poor soils, but plants generally grow taller and more vigorously in rich soils. This is a rhizomatous, spreading, somewhat weedy plant that can colonize an area by creeping rhizomes and self-seeding. Removal of flower heads prior to ripening of seed, if practicable, will help prevent seed dispersal.

It is found throughout the State of Missouri in a variety of locations including old or fallow fields, dry open ground, prairies, leached or eroded slopes, glades, loess hills, dry open woods, thickets, roadsides and along railroads.

Gray Goldenrod is commonly used in the following mixes: Buck’s Hangout, Butterfly and Hummingbird Mix 

Videos About This Plant

To learn more about this plant, check out our videos about it and its uses.

Fall Wildflower Walk