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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, 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

An under-utilized species that grows shorter and tends to spread less than the more common tall goldenrod. Works well in a low wildflower meadow, a sunny garden, or as a cut flower. Propagation: seed.

Comments

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

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason