Seaside Goldenrod
Solidago sempervirens

Seaside goldenrod is a native perennial plant with large, golden yellow flower clusters that bloom in late summer and autumn.

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A dragonfly visiting seaside goldenrod.
Seaside goldenrod is an important part of its ecosystem, providing benefits to insects and to shorebirds like willets, killdeer and black skimmers. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)

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Appearance

Seaside goldenrod has large clusters of tiny, golden yellow flowers at the top of a tall stem. Flower clusters are upright or slightly drooping and bloom in August to October. Long, waxy, evergreen leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, getting bigger toward the bottom of the stem. Seaside goldenrod grows 3 to 6 feet tall.

Reproduction and life cycle

After blooming, flower clusters mature into seed heads. Seed heads are filled with fuzzy, nut-like fruit capsules that each contain one seed. Wind spreads the seeds.

Did you know?

  • Seaside goldenrod is a good flower to plant in swales (sunken marshy areas) and rain gardens because it can tolerate rock salt used on roads in winter.
  • It can play an important role in providing nesting habitat for shorebirds like willets, killdeer and black skimmers.

Sources and additional information

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