1. Guides
  2. RWMWD Plant Guide
  3. Stiff-Leaved Goldenrod

Stiff-Leaved Goldenrod

Solidago rigida

Summary 5

Solidago rigida, also known by the common names stiff goldenrod and stiff-leaved goldenrod is a North American plant species in the family Asteraceae. It has a widespread distribution in Canada and the United States, where it is found primarily east of the Rocky Mountains. It is typically found in open, dry areas associated with calcareous or sandy soil. Habitats include prairies, savannas, and glades.

Description 6

Family:
Asteraceae (Aster)

Height:
1 to 5 feet

Leaves:
There are both basal leaves and leaves alternating up the stem. Leaves are a grayish green color and rough from short bristly hairs, egg-shaped to oval, and mostly toothless but may have a few rounded, shallow teeth. Basal and lower stem leaves are 3 to 8 inches long, up to 2 inches wide, abruptly tapered at the base to a long stalk, and usually persist to flowering time.

Flower:
A flat-topped cluster 2 to 5 inches across of 3/8-inch yellow flowers, each with 6 to 13 short petals (ray flowers) and a yellow center with up to 35 disk flowers. The rays are sometimes broad with rounded tips, sometimes more narrow with pointed tips.

Bloom time:
August - September

Habitat:
Sun; dry fields, prairies, along roads

Wildlife Benefits:
Nectar and pollen are attractive to many species of bees. Foliage is a food source for a wide variety of insects.

Can I plant this in my garden?
Yes, stiff goldenrod is an excellent native species to be introduced to a garden and enjoys full sun to light shade.

References:
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/stiff-goldenrod
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solidago_rigida

Range 6

Sources and Credits

  1. (c) eknuth, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by eknuth
  2. (c) Suzanne Cadwell, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), http://www.flickr.com/photos/scadwell/9773735205/
  3. (c) Grant Parkins, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Grant Parkins
  4. no rights reserved, uploaded by Alan Weakley
  5. Adapted by Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District from a work by (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solidago_rigida
  6. (c) Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

More Info

iNat Map

Member of the iNaturalist Network   |   Powered by iNaturalist open source software |   Documentation for developers