Description
Salidago rigida (Oligoneuron rigidum) | Stiff Goldenrod
Stiff Goldenrod, also known as Rigid Goldenrod, Hard-leaved Goldenrod, or Prairie Goldenrod is a tall upright perennial Goldenrod that has bright yellow flat-topped flower clusters that are larger and flatter than most Goldenrods. The leaves are grayish-green, stiff, and oval in shape, and are alternately arranged on the stem, almost clasping it, giving the plant a unique vertical appearance. This was what we thought was so cool about this plant before it even flowered. Because of this and the tall unbranched stems, someone would be unlikely to confuse this species with another Goldenrod. Flowering in late summer has some advantages because the blooms appear late enough that they attract Monarch butterflies, honey bees, and bumblebees, plus the leaves turn shades of red in the fall, bringing late season color. While other wildflower choices may be available, Stiff Goldenrod usually seems to be the favorite of pollinators.
Grows well in dry sandy places, dry woods, and prairies that have full to partial sun with dry to moderate moisture. Too much water and rich soil can be detrimental to its growth. Can be used for roadside plantings, wildlife food and habitat, wildflower gardens, and as part of a seeding mixture for prairie restoration projects.
It is fortunate to note that Stiff Goldenrod does not spread rampantly by rhizomes like other Goldenrod do, and is also not an aggressive self-seeder unless there is a large group.
It is a common misconception that Goldenrod is responsible for folks allergies, but it’s not. Allergies are more likely to come from ragweed, which is unrelated.
If starting seeds indoors, Goldenrod seeds require a 2 month period of cold-moist stratification before the seeds will germinate. Or if you plan on starting them outdoors you can sow the seeds in the fall and let nature take care of the stratification.
COLD STRATIFICATION
Cold stratification is a term for a procedure that can improve certain seed germination rates by 300-400%. Cold stratification is designed to mimic the winter season’s cold and moist weather that unlocks a seeds protective germination mechanisms and triggers the seed to sprout out of its dormant state. (Most perennial plant seeds, such as native wildflowers, require this combo of cold and damp to germinate.) In nature, this occurs naturally, but by doing the process yourself in a controlled environment, you keep the young seeds safe from any animals that might eat them and they’ll also be less likely to succumb to rot or mildew, leaving more seeds to grow.
There are many methods to cold-stratify seeds, but the two key factors are always moisture and cold. The best and easiest way is to put a small amount of moist/wet sand/soil in a zip baggie and store in the refrigerator for 2 months time (or more). Once stratified, surface sow the seeds (and sand) and gently press into the dirt. Germination will occur with heat humidity and light indoors, or if outdoor, once spring temps and sunlight are adequate. Be sure to plant stratified seeds within a day or so after removing them from the refrigerator because as soon as they warm up they will be ready to grow and may start to sprout.
Type: Perennial
Sun exposure: Full sun
Mature height: 5-7 ft
Mature width: 2-3 ft
Hardiness zones: 3-9