Oligoneuron rigidum (Stiff Goldenrod)

Bringing cheerful late season color, Oligoneuron rigidum (Stiff Goldenrod) is an upright unbranched perennial boasting dense, rounded or flat-topped clusters of tiny, bright yellow, daisy-like flowers in late summer and early fall. Very rich in nectar, they attract bees and butterflies and produce many seeds that birds favor. The blossoms are borne atop tall, stiff, broad-leaved, hairy stems. The basal foliage of large, soft gray-green leaves, 10 in. long (25 cm), is handsome and turns shades of orange and red in the fall. Easy to grow, tough and adaptable, Stiff Goldenrod is best grown in prairie restorations or wildlife gardens. It may be grown in a traditional garden as long as the soil is poor and dry. In rich moist soils, it may flop and self-sow prolifically, becoming a nuisance.

• Grows up to 36-60 in. tall (90-150 cm) and 18-30 in. wide (30-45).
• Thrives in full sun in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Drought and clay soil tolerant.
• Vital ingredient of late summer and fall beds and borders, cottage gardens, prairies and meadows or butterfly gardens.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
• Remove spent flower clusters to promote new blooms and prevent unwanted self-seeding.
• Propagate by seed or division in spring or fall. Easy to start from seed, which requires moist stratification. May need to be divided every 2-3 years to control growth.
• Native to eastern and central North America.