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stiff-leaved goldenrod

Solidago rigida

Stiff-leaved goldenrod is a bright yellow flower that grows tall and strong. It blooms in late summer and is loved by butterflies and bees for its sweet nectar.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The stiff-leaved goldenrod is a tall, upright plant featuring rough, oval-shaped leaves that are notably rigid. Its vibrant yellow flowers bloom in distinctive flat-topped clusters, making it visually stand out from other goldenrod species which often have plume-like arrangements.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusSolidago
stiff-leaved goldenrod
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgemedicinal trait badge
stiff-leaved goldenrod

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its scientific name, Solidago rigida, refers to its rigid leaves and means "to make whole."

Many people mistakenly blame goldenrod for hay fever, but ragweed, blooming at the same time, is the real culprit!

Native American tribes traditionally used stiff-leaved goldenrod for various medicinal purposes, like teas and poultices.

This goldenrod is a crucial late-season food source for migrating monarch butterflies and other pollinators before winter.

Special abilities

Ability

Drought Master

Stiff-leaved goldenrod has a deep taproot that helps it find water far underground, allowing it to survive in dry, sunny environments.

Ability

Insect Landing Pad

Its unique flat-topped flower clusters provide a wide, stable surface, making it easier for many different insects to land and collect nectar.

Ability

Tough as Nails

Stiff-leaved goldenrod has noticeably rigid, rough leaves which reduce water loss and can deter some hungry herbivores.

Measurements & details

Height
60-150 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Flower Size
0.6-1 cm
Bloom Season
Late summer to fall (August-October)
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Collects nectar and pollen for hive.

pollinates

Monarch butterfly

Danaus plexippus

Feeds on nectar during migration.

pollinates

Common eastern bumble bee

Bombus impatiens

Important generalist pollinator.

eaten by

Goldenrod leaf beetle

Trirhabda borealis

Larvae and adults feed on leaves.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch flowers without asking an adult first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is stiff-leaved goldenrod?

60-150 cm

How wide does stiff-leaved goldenrod spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on stiff-leaved goldenrod?

0.6-1 cm

When does stiff-leaved goldenrod bloom?

Late summer to fall (August-October)

Is stiff-leaved goldenrod edible?

Yes

Is stiff-leaved goldenrod toxic?

None

What is stiff-leaved goldenrod's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is stiff-leaved goldenrod pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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