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Native Plant Society of Texas

Prairie Goldenrod

Solidago nemoralis

Other common name(s):

Gray Goldenrod, Oldfield Goldenrod, Grayleaf Goldenrod, Gray-leaved Goldenrod, Dyersweed Goldenrod, Dwarf Goldenrod, Field Goldenrod

Family:

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Cross Timbers, Texas Blackland Prairies
Carbonate Cross Timbers, Eastern Cross Timbers, Grand Prairie, Limestone Cut Plain, Western Cross Timbers
Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie, Southern Blackland Prairie

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
2
ft.

Spread

.5
to
2
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Rocky, Caliche, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Medium

Native Habitat

Grassland, Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Season

Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Nectar, Pollen, Larval Host

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Birds, Nectar Insects, Moths, Bees

Maintenance

This is a rhizomatous, spreading, that can colonize an area by creeping rhizomes and self-seeding. An under-utilized species that grows shorter it tends to spread at little less than the more common tall goldenrod. It tolerates drought and dry rocky or sandy soils but prefers dry to medium, well-drained, soil in full sun. The plants generally grow taller and more vigorously in rich soils. It tolerates light shade, but does not do well in full shade. Works well in a low wildflower meadow, sunny garden, as a cut flower, pollinator garden. Native habitat: dry, open woods, upland prairies.

Description

Blooms June-October. Clumps of slender, gray-downy stems, with narrow, coarsely-toothed leaves. Small flowers form one-sided, yellow plumes at the tips of stems that arch outward. Each flowers develops into a single seed fruit. The fruit is a cypsela: a dry, one-seeded fruit, usually topped by pappus. Larval host: Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata) larvae.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Stratification Cold Stratification: Gray Goldenrod seeds need a period of cold treatment to germinate best. Mix the seeds with damp vermiculite or sand and store them in the refrigerator (around 40°F) for 6-8 weeks. Sowing Time: Once the cold treatment is complete, sow the seeds in seed trays filled with a well-draining seed starting mix. Don’t bury them deep; just press them lightly on the surface. Light and Warmth: Place the seed trays in a bright location, out of direct sunlight. Maintain a temperature of around 70°F. Germination Patience: It may take 2-4 weeks for the seeds to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Transplant Time: When the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden after the last frost. If planting untreated seed, be sure it is fresh. In the fall, collect seed heads from your existing plants, when the heads are brown and become fluffy. Allow them to dry thoroughly before storing in a cool, dry place. 1) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-solidago-nemoralis/ 2) https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/solidago-nemoralis/#:~:text=Attributes:%20Genus:%20Solidago%20Species:,Wildlife%20Value: 3) https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/factsheet/pdf/fs_sone.pdf
Clump Division Replant your divisions immediately in well-drained soil, spacing them 12-18 inches apart. Water thoroughly. Early spring or fall, when the plant is dormant, are ideal times for division. Divide mature plants, making sure each section has a bud and a root. Carefully loosen the soil around the clump using a garden fork, ensuring you don’t damage the roots. 1) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-solidago-nemoralis/ 2) https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/solidago-nemoralis/#:~:text=Attributes:%20Genus:%20Solidago%20Species:,Wildlife%20Value: 3) https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/factsheet/pdf/fs_sone.pdf

About the Region

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason