Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida)

observed in Canada by Glenn Berry (licensed under CC0 1.0)
Description
Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida), a member of the Asteraceae (Aster Family), is a herbaceous perennial that grows 1 to 5 feet tall and has yellow flowers that bloom in the late summer and early fall from August to September. The alternate, simple leaves are oval in shape and have entire margins or sometimes rounded teeth. This plant grows in zones 3-9 and likes open areas with full sun.
Subspecies
Solidago rigida has three subspecies – glabrata, which occurs mostly in the south and southeastern US, humilis, which occurs in the midwestern US and Canada and the type – rigida, which occurs in the midwest and eastern US plus Ontario.
Alternative Names
Stiff-leaved Goldenrod, Prairie Goldenrod, and Goldenrod
Hosted Species
Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata)

Many butterflies, bees, wasps, flies, ants, and beetles use this plant as a nectar source, especially bees and wasps. Birds, such as the Eastern Goldfinch, eat the seeds, and some mammals eat the stems and leaves. Goldenrods in general are one of the most important nectar plants in the fall. This particular species is also used by soldier beetles.
Range of Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida) in the United States and Canada
Habitat
Stiff Goldenrod is found in sunny open areas such as fields, prairies, railroads, limestone glades, and roadsides.
Origin of Name
The genus name, Solidago, comes from the Latin for Solidus and ago and refers to the medicinal healing properties.
The species name, rigida, refers to the stiffness of the stem.
Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida) Links
Webpages
Plant Profile from State of New Jersey
Videos
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