Rigid Goldenrod

Description

Solidago rigida, commonly called Rigid Goldenrod or Stiff Goldenrod, is a native perennial forb (wildflower). It features tiny, bright yellow flowers borne in dense, erect, flat-topped terminal clusters atop stiff, broad-leaved, hairy stems typically growing 3-5′ tall.  Blooms August–October. Commonly blamed for fall allergies, when Ragweed is the actual culprit. Some people find that a tea made from the leaves and flowers of Goldenrod actually helps allergies!

The flowers attract many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, and beetles. Monarch butterflies are especially attracted to the flowers. The larvae of several species of moths feed on various parts of this and other goldenrods. Insects that are known to feed on Stiff Goldenrod specifically include larvae of Black Blister Gall Midge, Twirler Moth, and Marked Tricholita. The Greater Prairie Chicken and Eastern Goldfinch eat the seeds to a limited extent. Many mammalian herbivores eat this plant, particularly during the early stages of growth and development. This includes the White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, and muskrats.

Cattle will eat it but tend to leave this plant alone when there are other sources of food available. Where cattle graze in open fields, this plant is known as an ‘increaser.’

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Remove spent flower clusters to encourage additional bloom. Provides good color and contrast in late summer to early fall for the perennial border, wild garden, prairie, meadow, native plant garden or naturalized area.

Typically occurs in open woods, glades, thickets and prairies.

This plant is commonly used in the following mixes:

Butterfly and Hummingbird Mix, Wildlife Chuckwagon Mix

Videos About This Plant

To learn more about this plant, check out our videos about it and its uses:

Fall Wildflower Walk

Wildlife Chuckwagon Mix