Solidago nemoralis (Gray Goldenrod)

A genuinely compact, well-behaved goldenrod purpose-built for the driest, sandiest restoration sites, gray goldenrod's confirmed drought tolerance and essential nectar value make it a reliable choice for challenging environments where more moisture-demanding perennials simply won't establish.

Species Overview

Solidago nemoralis, or gray goldenrod, is a compact perennial native to dry, open habitats across eastern and central North America. Arching, plume-like clusters of bright yellow flowers bloom from late summer into fall above distinctive gray-green foliage - the source of the species' common name.

Application

• Dry, sandy, poor-soil restoration - challenging-site specialist
• Compact pollinator garden and naturalized landscape plantings
• Meadow and prairie restoration on well-drained upland sites
• Roadside and disturbed-area naturalization

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Dry, sandy, well-drained soils
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Flood Tolerance: Low - A dry, sandy-soil goldenrod, consistent with this species' already-confirmed habitat profile from earlier work.
• Plant Type: Forb
• Mature Height: 1-2 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: Yellow; August-October
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
• Hydrology: Dry-Mesic
• Root Depth: Moderate (12-24 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged) (genus (Solidago) listed on a formal landscape deer-resistance reference)
• Shade Tolerance: Intolerant
• Growth Habit: Clumping/Mounding
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Pollinator Value: Supports bees, supports butterflies

Planting Guidance

• Its compact size and attractive blooms make it well suited to smaller pollinator gardens as well as larger restoration plantings - more contained than many of its larger, more aggressively-spreading goldenrod relatives.