Goldenrod, Stiff
Solidago rigida, also known as stiff goldenrod, is a perennial wildflower native to Michigan. Stiff Goldenrod reaches 3 to 4 feet tall and flowers from August to October with a tight yellow cluster of blossoms. A little taller than other goldenrods, it makes a good background plant, with dramatic flowerheads that stick up over many other natives. The big flower clusters make for efficient bee feeding and are quite striking. Like all goldenrods, it is not wind pollinated and is unlikely to cause seasonal allergies. It prefers full sun or slight shade, medium to dry soil and will grow in clay, loam or sand. It is also an important food source for birds, and deer resistant.
Goldenrods are a keystone species for pollinators. In fact, this plant is considered a Keystone Native Plant according to the National Wildlife Federation Keystone Native Plants list for our ecoregion. Plants in this family are used by 120 species of caterpillar as a host plant. Since most birds feed their young almost exclusively on caterpillars during nesting season, utilizing this plant in your landscape also supports birds. This plant family also supports 22 species of pollen specialist bees, making it a great choice for pollinator support.