Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida)

AUGUST-OCTOBER

Stiff Goldenrod Solidago rigida L. (COMPOSITE FAMILY)

Stiff goldenrod is an erect perennial1-3 ft tall arising from a short rhizome, densely to sparsely pubescent throughout. The alternate leaves are harsh and leathery, the lower ones petiolate with oval to oblong blades and sparsely toothed on the margin. The upper leaves are sessile, smaller, and ovate to oblong. The lower leaves form a large overwintering basal rosette early in the season prior to lowering. The terminal inflorescence is flattopped, dense, and composed of yellow heads of numerous disk florets and 10 or more well-developed rays. The fruit is a small glabrous achene.