Stiff Goldenrod (oilgoneuron rigidum)

Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida)

Stiff Goldenrod brings a strong, sculptural presence to late summer gardens. Its thick, upright stems are topped with broad, flat-topped clusters of rich yellow flowers that light up the landscape from August through October. The foliage is just as distinctive—dense, paddle-shaped, and softly textured, with a silvery cast that gives it an almost eucalyptus look, and in the fall it puts on a colorful show. While many goldenrods are airy and sprawling, this one is all structure and looks very intentional wherever it's planted. It thrives in tough, dry soils and is a keystone plant, bringing equal parts beauty and biodiversity to your garden. 

Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to light shade
Soil: Medium to dry; tolerant of clay, rocky, or sandy soils
Height: 3–5 feet
Spread: 2–3 feet
Zones: 3–8
Bloom time: August through October 

Wildlife Value
Stiff Goldenrod is a powerhouse for pollinators, attracting an impressive range of native bees, wasps, butterflies, and beetles. In Wisconsin, it supports both short- and long-tongued bees, along with soldier beetles and beneficial wasps that help control pest insects. It is also a host plant for the Wavy-lined Emerald moth (Synchlora aerata), whose caterpillars feed on its foliage.

Blooms Alongside: rough blazing star (Liatris aspera), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), prairie coreopsis (Coreopsis palmata), sky blue aster (Symphyotrichum oolentangiense), aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium), leadplant (Amorpha canescens), hoary vervain (Verbena stricta), spotted bee balm mint (Monarda punctata)