gray goldenrod

Solidago nemoralis Aiton

characteristics

Perennial, growing up to 1.2 m tall with smooth, stout, reddish stems. Often very leafy and multi-stemmed. Erect panicles of small yellow flowers bloom for about a month. Unlike other goldenrods, the flowering stems curve upward. The flower spike also has a distinctive *kink* at the top. Small tufts of hair allow the seed to be dispersed by the wind. Easy to grow but, if over watered or fertilized may topple over.

In southern Manitoba this plant is known as showy goldenrod.

1,008,000 seeds/pound; starts from seed, cuttings, container.

habitat

Prairie, woodland borders, and abandoned fields.

uses

A variety of bees, ants, leafhoppers, beetles, and occasionally moths or butterflies are attracted to the flowers.

Seeds are sometimes eaten by birds and deer; rabbits and groundhogs eat the leaves, stems, and flowers.