Oligoneuron rigidum (Stiff Goldenrod)

Oligoneuron rigidum, also known as Solidago rigida var. rigida is a knockout plant for pollinators, establishing well in landscapes despite whatever challenges may be present. It is known to spread easily - it reseeds well and can form colonies quickly, so it is best situated where it has room to spread over smaller spaces. Surprisingly, it grows and blooms best in poor, dry soils and has high drought tolerance, although it will tolerate other conditions, including periodic flooding. This makes it a good candidate for rain gardens and erosion control. Oligoneuron rigidum is a beautiful specimen of all the Goldenrods, growing tall up to 5’ and farming straight, “stiff” stalks that rise over weedier plants, with flat-topped clusters of yellow flowers blooming from August to October for long periods. Its foliage is also beautiful, with new leaves taking on a velvety texture like lambs-ear, growing into large spades, and turning rose to red in fall. It can be browsed by deer, although its rapid growth rate can keep up with most herbivory.

Highly recommended for wildlife, Oligoneuron rigidum offers numerous benefits to insects, birds, and other animals alike. Its close relationship to Solidago means there is much crossover of specialists between the two, including oligolectic bees. More research is needed to determine how different the two genera really are, but in late fall this species is a boon to a variety of bees, butterflies, flower flies, and beneficial insect predators. Its seeds can also support different types of birds.

Pollinators: bumblebees, halictid bees, long-horned bees, leafcutter bees, miner bees, small carpenter bees, honey bees, butterflies, moths, bee flies, syrphid flies, tachinid flies, wasps, long-horned beetles, soldier beetles

Host Plant for Butterflies/Moths: Dozens of Lepidoptera species

Dependent Species: Tricholita notata, possibly other Lepidoptera and specialist bees associated with Solidago

Wildlife Value: Songbirds, Thrushes, Wood Warblers

Deer Resistance: deer will browse

Native Region: Appalachian Mountains

Seed Origin: USA

USDA Zones: 3-9

States found in our region: AL, KY, MD, NC, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV

Other states found: AR, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, RI, SD, TX, WI