Gray Goldenrod

Grey Goldenrod
Solidago nemoralis

A hardy native perennial known for its arching sprays of bright golden-yellow flowers that bloom from late summer into fall. The narrow flower clusters often lean gracefully to one side, creating a soft cascading effect above its low clumps of gray-green foliage. Fine hairs on the leaves and stems give the plant its characteristic grayish tone and help it tolerate dry conditions.

Grey Goldenrod is one of the most drought-tolerant goldenrods and thrives in dry, sandy soils, rocky slopes, open prairies, and disturbed ground. Its compact habit makes it well suited for naturalized plantings and pollinator gardens where it provides reliable late-season nectar.

Growing Conditions

• Height: 1–2 ft
• Spread: Clumping to slowly spreading
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Dry to medium, well-drained soils; thrives in sandy, rocky, and poor soils
• Hardiness: Zone 3–8
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Highly drought tolerant once established
• Deer resistant

Ideal for dry meadows, prairies, roadside plantings, pollinator gardens, and naturalized landscapes where tough, resilient plants are needed.

Ecological Value

• Important late-season nectar source for bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects
• Supports migrating pollinators preparing for winter
• Seeds provide food for birds in fall and winter
• Contributes to biodiversity in dry prairie ecosystems

Larval Host Plant For
Several native moth species whose caterpillars feed on goldenrods.

Companion Species

• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
• Prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha)
• Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
• Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta)
• Upland White Goldenrod (Solidago ptarmicoides)
• Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)
• Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive
Origin Native Plants

3.5 inch Pots