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: Dense Blazing star (liatris spicata), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium),  smooth blue aster (Symphyotrichum laeve), aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium), hoary vervain (Verbena stricta), spotted bee balm mint (Monarda punctata

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