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Old-field Goldenrod

Solidago nemoralis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Solidago nemoralis is a drought-tolerant native wildflower found across most of the eastern and central United States. This goldenrod blooms from July through October with bright yellow flower clusters.

Old-field Goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Old-field Goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Old-field Goldenrod as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Before you buy

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Old-field goldenrod is a compact native perennial that produces graceful arching sprays of bright yellow flowers from summer through fall. This drought-tolerant wildflower forms neat clumps and is smaller and more manageable than many other goldenrod species.

Growing Old-field Goldenrod

Grow Old-field Goldenrod in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Old-field Goldenrod takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Strong association with weedy appearance despite being well-behaved
  • Yellow wildflower appearance may trigger HOA concerns
  • Dies back completely in winter leaving bare stems

Wildlife value

The abundant small flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and beneficial beetles during the critical late-season blooming period. This plant is particularly valuable for supporting pollinators when many other flowers have finished blooming.

Common questions

When does Old-field Goldenrod bloom?
Solidago nemoralis typically blooms from July through October, producing clusters of small bright yellow flowers that attract various pollinators.
What pollinators visit Old-field Goldenrod?
This native goldenrod attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations in gardens and natural areas.
Where is Solidago nemoralis native?
Old-field Goldenrod is native to most of the eastern and central United States, from Maine south to Florida and west to North Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.
What growing conditions does Old-field Goldenrod prefer?
This hardy perennial thrives in full sun to partial sun and tolerates drought conditions well, making it suitable for dry soils and low-maintenance landscapes.
Is Old-field Goldenrod toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Old-field Goldenrod as toxic to livestock.
Is Old-field Goldenrod HOA-friendly?
Old-field Goldenrod takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Old-field Goldenrod? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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