Early Goldenrod vs Gray Goldenrod
This guide is under construction and has not been published yet. It may have errors. When in doubt, double-check other sources for definitive ID.These two species are frequently confused, but can be easily told apart by pubescence or lack thereof on stems and leaves. S. nemoralis ranges farther west and south, and prefers drier conditions and poorer soil. S. juncea is more restricted to the northeast and prefers moister conditions and richer soil.
Early Goldenrod (Solidago juncea) | Gray Goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis) |
A perennial, usually among the earliest blooming of the goldenrods. | |
 Stems lower down on the plant, beneath the inflorescence, are smooth. Photo © John Baur, CC BY 4.0. |  Stems are densely covered in short hairs. Photo © cigazze, CC BY 4.0. |
 Prefers slightly moister, richer habitats with slightly more competing vegetation. Photo © Quinten Wiegersma, CC BY 4.0. |  Prefers drier, harsher habitats with less competing vegetation. Photo © treelogical, CC BY 4.0. |
References & External Resources
These short lists show only links helpful for ID. For a complete list of references and resources also covering other aspects of ecology, visit the links section of the full article on each plant, which is the first entry here.
