Solidago sempervirens is a salt tolerant coastal goldenrod species with leathery foliage and bold golden plumes that bloom from late summer into fall. It thrives in sandy or saline soils and plays an important ecological role in stabilizing shorelines.
Height & Spread: 24 - 48 in x 18 - 36 in
Bloom Time: August to October
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Sandy, saline, or nutrient poor soils
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; tolerant of drought and salt spray
Deer Resistance: Generally deer resistant due to tough, leathery leaves
Native Status
This species is native to coastal regions of eastern North America, from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. It naturally occurs in dunes, salt marshes, and beach edges.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Provides critical nectar resources for Monarchs and other migrating butterflies near the coast.
Bees
- Valued by coastal bee species and native pollinators for its long bloom period and resilience.
Hummingbirds
- Rarely visited directly, but may contribute to a rich insect food web in coastal gardens.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space plants 18 - 24 in apart to form strong colonies in sandy or disturbed soil conditions.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for beach gardens, sandy slopes, roadsides, coastal restorations, and saline urban soils.
Companion Plants
- Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) - Adds structural support and foliage contrast in coastal or sandy soils.
- Liatris spicata (Blazing Star) - Provides upright purple blooms earlier in the season for extended pollinator value.
- Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) - Attracts butterflies and thrives in similar sunny, moist adjacent habitats.
- Helianthus debilis (Beach Sunflower) - Shares habitat and bloom time, creating bold yellow combinations in salt tolerant beds.
- Spartina patens (Saltmeadow Cordgrass) - A native grass that helps stabilize soil and coexists with goldenrod in coastal ecosystems.