Solidago rigida L. var. rigida

Scientific Name: Solidago rigida L. var. rigida


Classification: Plantae/ Tracheobionta / Spermatophyta / Magnoliophyta / Magnoliopsida / Asteridae / Asterales / Asteraceae / Compositae / Oligoneuron Small/ Solidago rigida L. var. rigida

<i>Solidago rigida</i> L. var. rigida
General Information
Usda SymbolSORIR2
GroupDicot
Life CyclePerennial
Growth HabitsForb/herb
Native LocationsSORIR2

Plant Guide

Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Solidago rigida L. var. rigida.

Fact Sheet

Alternate Names

Solidago rigida L., rigid goldenrod

Uses

Stiff goldenrod can be used for roadside plantings, wildlife food and habitat, and wildflower gardens because of its attractive bright yellow flowers, and as a small component of seeding mixtures for prairie restoration.

Status

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e.g. threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

Description

Stiff goldenrod is a native perennial recognized by its broad, flat-topped inflorescence (cluster of flowers). The plant is a member of the Asteraceae, or aster family. It attains a height of over one meter. It flowers during the fall. The goldenrod flowers are like miniature asters and are all yellow. They are arranged in an inflorescence which is about 15 cm across and flat across the top. The leaves of goldenrod are stiff, rough textured and are alternately arranged on the stem. The leaves on the lower part of the plant are oblong and have short petioles. The upper leaves are lance-shaped and stalkless; there are also longer basal leaves that overwinter. Stiff goldenrod is more palatable than other members of the goldenrod group but is still infrequently grazed. It behaves in a prairie as an invader, i.e. it tends to come into pastures in greater amount when the prairie has been weakened by grazing.

Adaptation and Distribution

Distribution , Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Solidago rigida L. var. rigida.

Distribution

Goldenrod grows in prairies and dry woods from Massachusetts to Saskatchewan, south to Texas and Georgia. For a current distribution map, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Website.

Establishment

Prepare a clean weed free seedbed by disking and harrowing. Firm the seedbed by cultipacking. The seedbed should be firm enough to allow the seed to be planted ¼ inch deep. A seeder with a legume box works well in the seeding operation, although other types of seeders or drills may be used. Stiff goldenrod is easily propagated from seed. Seed sown in spring will produce transplants in one season. For permanent plantings, use transplants in fall or spring. Plants are largely cross-pollinated. Fertilizer: Apply no fertilizer during the establishment year unless soil test indicates a severe deficiency of potassium and/or phosphorus. Use no nitrogen during the establishment year as this can encourage weed competition. Seeding Rates: Adequate seeding rates for stiff goldenrod should be about ¼ pound of pure live seed (PLS) in a mixture. One pound (PLS) per acre is sufficient for seed production plantings. There are approximately 770,000 clean seeds in one pound of stiff goldenrod. Seeding Dates: Sow unstratified seed in the fall, November to March, stratified seed in the spring, April to May.

Plant Traits

Growth Requirements

Temperature, Minimum (°F)-43
Adapted to Coarse Textured SoilsYes
Adapted to Fine Textured SoilsNo
Adapted to Medium Textured SoilsYes
Anaerobic ToleranceNone
CaCO3 ToleranceMedium
Cold Stratification RequiredNo
Drought ToleranceHigh
Fertility RequirementMedium
Fire ToleranceHigh
Frost Free Days, Minimum80
Hedge ToleranceNone
Moisture UseMedium
pH, Maximum7.5
pH, Minimum5.0
Planting Density per Acre, Maxim11000
Planting Density per Acre, Minim4800
Precipitation, Maximum60
Precipitation, Minimum14
Root Depth, Minimum (inches)12
Salinity ToleranceNone
Shade ToleranceIntermediate


Morphology/Physiology

After Harvest Regrowth RateModerate
ToxicityNone
Resprout AbilityNo
Shape and OrientationErect
Active Growth PeriodSpring and Summer
BloatNone
C:N RatioHigh
Coppice PotentialNo
Fall ConspicuousNo
Fire ResistantNo
Flower ColorYellow
Flower ConspicuousYes
Foliage ColorGreen
Foliage Porosity SummerDense
Foliage Porosity WinterPorous
Fruit/Seed ColorBrown
Nitrogen FixationNone
Low Growing GrassNo
LifespanModerate
Leaf RetentionNo
Known AllelopathNo
Height, Mature (feet)3.6
Growth RateRapid
Growth FormRhizomatous
Fruit/Seed ConspicuousNo
Foliage TextureCoarse


Reproduction

Vegetative Spread RateRapid
Small GrainNo
Seedling VigorMedium
Seed Spread RateSlow
Fruit/Seed Period EndFall
Seed per Pound1009000
Propagated by TubersNo
Propagated by SprigsYes
Propagated by SodNo
Propagated by SeedYes
Propagated by CormNo
Propagated by ContainerNo
Propagated by BulbNo
Propagated by Bare RootYes
Fruit/Seed PersistenceNo
Fruit/Seed Period BeginSummer
Fruit/Seed AbundanceHigh
Commercial AvailabilityNo Known Source
Bloom PeriodLate Summer
Propagated by CuttingsNo


Suitability/Use

Veneer ProductNo
Pulpwood ProductNo
Protein PotentialLow
Post ProductNo
Palatable HumanNo
Palatable Graze AnimalLow
Palatable Browse AnimalLow
Nursery Stock ProductNo
Naval Store ProductNo
Lumber ProductNo
Fodder ProductNo
Christmas Tree ProductNo
Berry/Nut/Seed ProductNo

<i>Solidago rigida</i> L. var. rigida

<i>Solidago rigida</i> L. var. rigida

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