Stiff Goldenrod
Solidago rigida
Flat-topped yellow clusters on rigid, upright stems that never need staking. Draws more native bee species than almost any other goldenrod.
Typically 1 pint–1 gal · $9–$30 · final price at pickup
- Thu, Aug 138 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Aug 148 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Aug 158 AM – 2 PM
The most architecturally bold goldenrod in the genus. flat-topped flower clusters, rigid upright form, and the highest documented native bee diversity of any Solidago.
Stiff Goldenrod stands apart from the arching, fluffy-plumed goldenrods by its upright, architectural structure and flat-topped clusters of bright yellow flowers. The leaves are large, rough, and clasping, stiff in texture, as the name suggests, and the stems are rigid and bold. The flowers arrive in large, dense corymbs (flat-topped clusters) from late August through October, and the display is bold and sun-colored against fall's blue sky. At two to four feet, it stands upright without staking even in moderate soil. Stiff Goldenrod is remarkable for its pollinator draw: research has documented higher numbers and diversity of native bee species visiting it than almost any other Solidago. Monarch butterflies in fall migration are a common sight. The upright structure, flat flower clusters, and bold foliage make this one of the most visually distinctive goldenrods available, and its adaptability to dry, lean, alkaline soils makes it useful in sites that would challenge other species.
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown stiff goldenrod propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Average
- Mature size
- 2–4 ft · 18–24 in wide
- Bloom time
- Late summer through fall
- Bloom color
- Yellow
- USDA zones
- 3–9
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native range
- Central and eastern North America from Ontario south to Texas; dry to mesic prairies and open woodlands
Care notes for stiff goldenrod.
Full sun, dry to average well-drained soil. Tolerates lean, rocky, and even alkaline conditions. Cut back in spring. Spreads by both rhizome and self-seeding. manage spread by dividing in spring every three to four years. Stake in rich, moist soil if flopping occurs. Excellent cut flower. No significant pest pressure.
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside stiff goldenrod.
Or skip the guesswork.
Curated packages bundle complementary species for an instant habitat. One reservation, one pickup day, a printed layout map.
Short on Space Package
For gardeners who have an abundance of passion but are short on space, this package features tidy, upright, clump-forming natives that behave and function well in small spaces.
Shade Bed Package
Ferns, sedges, and woodland natives that thrive under existing trees.
Birder’s Paradise Package
For the avid bird watchers and budding ornithologists in our community, the Birder’s Paradise Package consists of species that Hill House Nursery staff and longtime native plant advocates such as Doug Tallamy consider ‘premier bird garden plants’.