Euthamia graminifolia

Grass-leaved goldenrod’s flat-topped flower clusters have a rich, textured appearance that complements the play of the late summer sunlight upon the wild meadow. Blooming for approximately one month, the plant provides nectar and pollen to a plethora of insects, from butterflies and moths to beetles, flies, wasps, and bees, both long and short-tongued. The Xerces society recognizes grass-leaved goldenrod’s importance for native bees, and the plant is known to support several specialist bees whose larvae require the pollen from a narrow range of plant species.

Grass-leaved goldenrod is commonly found growing on abandoned farmland in association with other goldenrod species, including tall goldenrod, giant goldenrod, wrinkleleaf goldenrod, and early goldenrod. Research suggests that soil factors including heightened moisture, acidity, and clay content increase grass-leaved goldenrod’s ability to compete with these other species. Overall, grass-leaved goldenrod grows best in conditions of full sunlight and moderately wet to average soil moisture, and it may be found in NE Ohio habitats including meadows, wet meadows, wetland edges, and along the margins of water bodies.

Photo by Ashley Keesling.