Rigid Goldenrod
Solidago rigida
Rigid Goldenrod (Solidago rigida) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 36–60 in tall and 18–24 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Tall yellow flower clusters late summer; critical late-season pollinator plant; clump-forming (not aggressive).
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow to medium water36–60 in tall and 18–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: no rights reserved
- Photo 2: Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 3: Daniel McClosky, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 4: Daniel McClosky, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 5: no rights reserved
- Photo 6: no rights reserved
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 36–60 in tall and 18–24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late summer, early fall
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie
Things to know before you plant
- Spreads aggressivelySpreads moderately by rhizomes
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Rigid Goldenrod good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Rigid Goldenrod is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Rigid Goldenrod?
- The main things to know: Spreads moderately by rhizomes
- How big does Rigid Goldenrod get?
- It matures to about 36–60 in tall and 18–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Rigid Goldenrod?
- Space Rigid Goldenrod about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Rigid Goldenrod hardy on the Front Range?
- Rigid Goldenrod is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Rigid Goldenrod need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Rigid Goldenrod native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Rigid Goldenrod deer-resistant?
- Rigid Goldenrod is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Rigid Goldenrod a good firewise plant near the house?
- Rigid Goldenrod is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Rigid Goldenrod bloom?
- Rigid Goldenrod blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
