July 2007
Ohio Prairie Plant of the MonthSpecies
Common Name Stiff Goldenrod
Latin Name: Oligoneuron rigidum [Pronounced: "AH-leh-go-NER-onn RIDJ-eh-dum"]
Formerly Solidago rigida
Type of Plant: Forb
Identification Helps: A flat-topped goldenrod, 3 ft or taller, with typical yellow flowers heads. Easily identified by the flat flowerheads and the clasping leaves on the upper portions of the stem (as shown).
Similar Species: No other goldenrod has both a flat flowerhead and clasping upper leaves.
Preferred Growing Conditions in the Wild: Found in a variety of prairie soils. Almost exclusively found on present or former prairie sites, does not naturally invade non-prairie sites. A good prairie site indicator.
Seasons of Growth and Bloom: Blooms August through October.
Natural Distribution in Ohio: Found in all Ohio prairie regions.
Description and General Information: Oligoneuron rigidum makes a particularly beautiful garden or landscape plant. It does not spread like several common goldernrods (in the genus Solidago).
If a plant or population of this species is discovered growing in the wild, it indicates that the site was formerly (or presently is) a prairie. It is one of the most typcial, albeit somewhat uncommon, Ohio prairie plants.
The common attribution of hayfever and allergy problems to the goldenrods is incorrect, The goldenrods merely happen to bloom in late summer at the same time that ragweeds and other plants with highly allergenic pollen are in bloom. Goldenrod pollen is sticky and does not blow in the wind.