Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Threenerve Goldenrod (Solidago velutina) is a native perennial herb in the Asteraceae (Sunflower) family that is very widespread in western North America and is found in almost every county in California. Recent taxonomic changes have expanded the scope of S. velutina to include S. californica and S. sparsiflora which were previously considered by many to be distinct species. Some sources may still refer to these as separate species, but they are now formally recognized as subspecies. In the garden this plant may appear somewhat unruly, especially in winter when it is deciduous. It is best used where a wild look is desired. The yellow-gold flowers in late summer are showy and attract a large number of insects, as well as some birds.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

8 - 36 in Tall

Growth rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Winter Deciduous

Calscape icon
Color

Yellow

Flowering season

Summer, Fall

Special uses

Groundcover

Water

Low

Summer irrigation

Max 1x / month once established

Ease of care

Easy

Cold tolerance

Tolerates cold to 0° F

Soil drainage

Medium

Soil description

Tolerates a variety of soils.
Soil PH: 5.5 - 7.5

Site type

Occurs in a wide variety of settings and habitats including sage scrub, woodland, forest, grassland, and vernally moist areas.

Use with a wide variety of native plants, depending on region of the state and garden conditions.

Bats
Bees
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 39 likely

Confirmed Likely

Adaina montanus

Old Man Dart

Agrotis vetusta

Fall Cankerworm Moth

Alsophila pometaria

Anania mysippusalis