Solidago spathulata
Coast goldenrod, Coast Goldenrod
(c) Ian Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Solidago spathulata (Coast goldenrod) is a native California perennial in the Asteraceae family, recognized by coastal low elevation habitat, short stature, resinous-sticky leaves and phyllaries, spoon-shaped leaves.
Coast goldenrod is a California native perennial found in northern coastal bioregions including Mendocino, San Francisco Bay Area, and central coastal areas in coastal dunes, headlands, and chaparral at elevations below 600 meters. Flowering from May to November, this plant produces golden yellow flowers in small clusters with 4 to 10 ray flowers. Growing 1 to 5 decimeters tall with decumbent to erect stems from a short, woody base, it has a distinctive growth pattern. Its lower leaves are large, spoon-shaped, and slightly toothed, while upper leaves become smaller and more pointed, with a characteristic resinous-sticky texture. The plant's delicate golden flower heads and uniquely shaped leaves make it a distinctive coastal wildflower.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; key features are coastal low elevation habitat, short stature, resinous-sticky leaves and phyllaries, spoon-shaped leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dunes, headlands, chaparral
Elevation: < 600 m
Bloom period
Solidago spathulata blooms May-Nov.
How to tell it apart
vs Euthamia: Solidago flowers cluster one-sided on branches; Euthamia flowers form flat-topped clusters.; vs Isocoma: Solidago has small yellow ray petals; Isocoma completely lacks ray petals (disk flowers only).; vs Senecio: Solidago heads in one-sided clusters; Senecio heads in flat or rounded clusters, never one-sided.; vs Eriophyllum: Solidago foliage is green and smooth; Eriophyllum foliage is densely white-woolly.; vs Artemisia: Solidago has showy yellow ray petals; Artemisia has tiny inconspicuous rayless heads.
Frequently asked questions
Is Solidago spathulata native to California?
Yes. Solidago spathulata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Solidago spathulata bloom?
Solidago spathulata blooms May-Nov.
What plant family does Solidago spathulata belong to?
Solidago spathulata is in the Asteraceae family, genus Solidago.
What habitat does Solidago spathulata grow in?
Solidago spathulata grows in Dunes, headlands, chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-06
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.