Description

Stiff goldenrod is a somewhat weedy, rhizomatous, native perennial which typically occurs in open woods, glades, thickets and prairies. The plant features tiny, bright yellow, daisy-like flowers borne in dense, erect, flat-topped terminal clusters atop stiff, broad-leaved, hairy stems typically growing 3-5′ tall. Individual flowers (to 1/2″ diameter) are larger than those of most other native goldenrods. Flowers bloom late summer to early autumn. The leaves turn nice shades of red in the fall. Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Remove spent flower clusters to encourage additional bloom.

Goldenrods have been wrongfully accused of causing hay fever which is actually an allergic reaction to wind-borne pollen from other plants such as ragweed. Goldenrod pollen is quite large and sticky so as to better adhere to the body of visiting insects. Because of this, goldenrod pollen cannot become airborne and can never make its way into your sinuses. Stiff Goldenrod is attractive to bees and butterflies.