Gray Goldenrod
Solidago nemoralis
- Native to:
- Canada, Prince Edward I., United States
Frank Mayfield (www.flickr.com)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Solidago
- Species:
- Solidago nemoralis
- USDA Symbol:
- SONE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep,oct,nov
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Goldenrod Gall Moth (Epiblema scudderiana), Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern (Bombus impatiens), ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) Butterflies:American Copper (Lycaena hypophlaeas), Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds, beneficial insects
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from rhizomes following fire; common in fire-maintained dry prairies and openings.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- dry, sandy, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in open, sunny areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: The protocol does not provide specific information on propagation source, pre-treatment, establishment protocol, temperature, germination rate, or germination time for Alopecurus alpinus.
Source: npn.rngr.net