Solidago rigida
stiff-leaved goldenrod
Overview
Solidago rigida is an upright herbaceous perennial reaching 1.5-5 feet (45-150 cm) tall and 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) wide, forming clumps from a stout rootstock. The stiff, rough-textured leaves are gray-green and oval to oblong, with large basal leaves up to 10 inches (25 cm) long and progressively smaller leaves up the unbranched stems. From August to October it carries flat-topped clusters of small yellow flower heads held above the foliage. The flowers draw large numbers of bees, wasps, and butterflies, and the seeds that follow feed seed-eating birds. It is native to the central and eastern United States and adjacent Canada, where it grows in prairies, open woods, and dry to medium soils. Established plants tolerate heat, drought, and poor or rocky ground in full sun. The species spreads by short rhizomes and self-sown seed, and tall stems may lean or flop in rich soil or shade. Cutting plants back in early summer reduces height and flopping. It blooms later than most summer wildflowers, extending the flowering season into fall.
Native Range
Native to central and eastern North America, from the Great Plains east to the Atlantic and from southern Canada south to Texas and Georgia. It grows in prairies, glades, open woods, and roadsides.Suggested Uses
Used in prairie and meadow plantings, pollinator gardens, and naturalized borders on dry soils. It pairs with asters, little bluestem, and other late-season prairie plants. The fall bloom and seed heads support pollinators and birds into autumn.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 5'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight