Solidago rigida, Stiff Goldenrod
FS-PS, Zone 3, blooms Jul;y-September, 3-5’ x 2-3’, medium wet to dry, sand to some clay, deer and rabbit resistant.
Keystone Species - Goldenrods are among the top-ranked plants for supporting biodiversity. Goldenrod is the number one keystone perennial in Michigan. Goldenrod in general for our region supports 135 species of moths and butterflies.These caterpillars are a vital protein source for baby birds. It supports approximately 42 species of pollen specialist bees that rely exclusively on goldenrods for their diet. It blooms from late summer into autumn, providing a "pollinator powerhouse" of nectar and pollen when most other plants have finished blooming. It is an essential energy source for migrating Monarch butterflies, helping them fuel their journey south. In the winter, its seeds feed birds like finches, and its standing stems provide shelter for overwintering insects.
This goldenrod, which may also be found under the botanical name of Oligoneuran ridgidum, puts on a colorful fall show when its foliage turns red in contrast with its bright yellow flowers. It grows from a fibrous deep root, but can also self-seed. Most goldenrods tend to produce spire-like flower heads, whereas Stiff Goldenrod produces larger and flatter flower clusters. Goldenrods are one of the most important genus of plant for pollinators.
Unfortunately, many people associate the plant with hay fever allergies. Ragweed, an introduced invasive species that blooms around the same time is what may cause allergies. Because of how goldenrod packages its heavy pollen, it’s not possible for them to become airborne. Ragweed, on the other hand, has airborne pollen. There are many types of goldenrod. Find one (or better yet, a cluster of them) that works well in your garden to provide valuable late season nectar. We recommend planting as-large-as-you-can groupings of goldenrod to benefit the insects the most.
Attracts a wide variety of native bees, honey bees, butterflies, wasps, beetles and flies. Some Mining bees specialize in collecting pollen from this plant, raise their larvae on it and use the plant to build their nests. Stiff Goldenrod’s shallow flowers provide nectar and pollen for a wide range of insects.
The third photo is a Goldfinch on Stiff Goldenrod at DA, October 2022.
Solidago rigida, Stiff Goldenrod
FS-PS, Zone 3, blooms Jul;y-September, 3-5’ x 2-3’, medium wet to dry, sand to some clay, deer and rabbit resistant.
Keystone Species - Goldenrods are among the top-ranked plants for supporting biodiversity. Goldenrod is the number one keystone perennial in Michigan. Goldenrod in general for our region supports 135 species of moths and butterflies.These caterpillars are a vital protein source for baby birds. It supports approximately 42 species of pollen specialist bees that rely exclusively on goldenrods for their diet. It blooms from late summer into autumn, providing a "pollinator powerhouse" of nectar and pollen when most other plants have finished blooming. It is an essential energy source for migrating Monarch butterflies, helping them fuel their journey south. In the winter, its seeds feed birds like finches, and its standing stems provide shelter for overwintering insects.
This goldenrod, which may also be found under the botanical name of Oligoneuran ridgidum, puts on a colorful fall show when its foliage turns red in contrast with its bright yellow flowers. It grows from a fibrous deep root, but can also self-seed. Most goldenrods tend to produce spire-like flower heads, whereas Stiff Goldenrod produces larger and flatter flower clusters. Goldenrods are one of the most important genus of plant for pollinators.
Unfortunately, many people associate the plant with hay fever allergies. Ragweed, an introduced invasive species that blooms around the same time is what may cause allergies. Because of how goldenrod packages its heavy pollen, it’s not possible for them to become airborne. Ragweed, on the other hand, has airborne pollen. There are many types of goldenrod. Find one (or better yet, a cluster of them) that works well in your garden to provide valuable late season nectar. We recommend planting as-large-as-you-can groupings of goldenrod to benefit the insects the most.
Attracts a wide variety of native bees, honey bees, butterflies, wasps, beetles and flies. Some Mining bees specialize in collecting pollen from this plant, raise their larvae on it and use the plant to build their nests. Stiff Goldenrod’s shallow flowers provide nectar and pollen for a wide range of insects.
The third photo is a Goldfinch on Stiff Goldenrod at DA, October 2022.
