northern seaside goldenrod

Solidago sempervirens

Northern seaside goldenrod is a bright yellow flower that grows near the ocean. It loves sunny spots and can be found in sandy areas, making it a cheerful sight along the coast.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The northern seaside goldenrod has tall, sturdy stems topped with bright yellow flower clusters that bloom in late summer and fall. Its long, lance-shaped leaves are thick and often waxy, helping it thrive near the ocean.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusSolidago

Photo: José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e CostaPublic domain · Wikimedia CommonsView original ↗

northern seaside goldenrod

Interesting facts

Even after its bright flowers fade, its green leaves can last all winter!

Its scientific name "sempervirens" means "always green" in Latin!

Native Americans once brewed its leaves to make a comforting, warm tea.

This tough plant thrives where freshwater plants cannot: right by the salty ocean!

Special abilities

northern seaside goldenrod has fleshy leaves that help it store water and manage salty ocean spray, protecting its cells.

northern seaside goldenrod can grow deep, spreading roots that stabilize sandy dunes, preventing erosion from wind and waves.

northern seaside goldenrod can bloom late into fall, providing essential nectar for migrating insects when other flowers fade.

Measurements & details

Height: 30-200 cm
Spread: 30-60 cm
Flower Size: 0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season: Fall
Edible: Yes
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

Pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar and pollen

Pollinates

Monarch Butterfly

Danaus plexippus

feeds on nectar during migration

Pollinates

Common Eastern Bumble Bee

Bombus impatiens

gathers pollen and nectar

Eats

Goldenrod Leaf Beetle

Trirhabda virgata

larvae and adults feed on leaves

Traits

Flowering

Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.

Summer Blooming

Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.

Salt Tolerant

Salt tolerant plants can withstand and grow in conditions with elevated salinity levels in the soil or water.

Colorful

Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Rapid Growing

Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.

Coastal

Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Plants

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch flowers without asking an adult.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify northern seaside goldenrod?

Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How tall is northern seaside goldenrod?

30-200 cm

How wide does northern seaside goldenrod spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on northern seaside goldenrod?

0.5-1 cm

When does northern seaside goldenrod bloom?

Fall

Is northern seaside goldenrod edible?

Yes

Is northern seaside goldenrod toxic?

None