​Solidago rigida or Oligoneuron rigidum, Stiff Goldenrod

This particular species of Goldenrod came to the Perth gardens as seeds from the Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library. They grew quickly from seed and have bloomed the last two autumns with up-facing clusters of flowers that are incredibly popular with nectar and pollen feeding species, something that you can easily see in today’s photos.

Part of the same group as Upland White Goldenrod, these are much larger plants but have the same clump forming, as opposed to running, trait that makes them appropriate companions for species that are not terribly competitive.

A very showy Goldenrod, this one blooms relatively late and I’ve noted that they sometimes have clusters of flowers that bloom into October, offering food for the late-to-bed pollinator species. Once they are finally finished blooming, they develop adorably fluffy seed heads that are a pretty contrast to their fall foliage, which can develop some lovely purple and red tones.

While not inclined to run, they can self seed prolifically if there are gaps or patches of bare soil in your garden ecosystem for them to get started in.

I think that their distinctive leaf texture, upright form, showy blooms and fall foliage colour would all fit well into a conventional, decorative garden but I’d really encourage planting these with a community of species to support full pollinator lifecycles since they are so enthusiastic in feeding all comers with their blooms.

Some companion species to consider could include Anise Hyssop, Pink Swamp Milkweed, Canada Milk Vetch, Fireweed, Flat-topped White Aster, Common Sneezeweed, Wild Bergamot, Black-Eyed-Susan, Little Bluestem, Early Goldenrod, Smooth Blue Aster, New England Aster and Culver’s Root.