Stiff Goldenrod
solidago rigida
Also known as: ["Stiff Goldenrod","Upright Goldenrod"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to North America, known for its stiff, upright stems and bright yellow flowers that bloom in late summer to fall.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Solidago |
| Botanical Name: | Solidago rigida |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden beds, meadows, or naturalized areas with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30 to 40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to moderate-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter. Tolerates poor, sandy, or clay soils if well-drained.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually in late fall or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or spent parts unless rejuvenation is needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday heat in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Full sun is ideal; avoid deep shade; rotate pots for even growth; provide afternoon shade in extreme heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormant periods
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid waterlogged conditions; test pH if issues arise.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C) but can tolerate heat and cold extremes.
Protect from extreme cold; water deeply before heatwaves; ensure good air flow in warm weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilization; stop feeding in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps in spring or fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid, and partially shaded conditions for cuttings.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root directly in the garden.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for stem cuttings to encourage root development.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 3–6 weeks; division establishes quickly in the growing season.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools; keep cuttings humid; avoid direct sun; check for roots after 3 weeks.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadheading spent flowers; cutting back old stems to the base; thinning crowded growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming and maintain plant shape. Cut back foliage in late fall or early spring to improve air circulation.
Tools
Hand pruners, bypass shears, gloves.
Checklist
Wear gloves; sterilize tools; cut at a 45-degree angle; remove dead/damaged parts; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins or fall after flowering.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one; ensure drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; replant in fresh, well-draining soil with added organic matter.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container. Division is often preferred over repotting for clump-forming species.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone. Apply until water begins to drain from the bottom, ensuring even saturation without waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth; reduce frequency in winter to once every 3–4 weeks. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or aged manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay amendments.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Plants may become dormant in winter but can suffer root damage if temperatures drop below -30°F (-34°C) without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in fall; avoid overwatering before freezes; provide wind protection in exposed locations.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch or wilt in intense heat, especially if soil is dry.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; water deeply in the morning; increase air circulation; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding; follow package instructions.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas, as they can reduce flowering. Apply sparingly every 6–8 weeks during growing season.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSolidago rigida is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicSolidago rigida is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicSolidago rigida, commonly known as stiff goldenrod, is not considered toxic to humans. It is often used in landscaping and does not pose significant health risks upon casual contact or ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Solidago rigida toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does Stiff Goldenrod attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How much maintenance does this plant require?
A: It is low maintenance and drought tolerant, making it suitable for busy gardeners.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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