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 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 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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 deer-resistant?

Rigid Goldenrod is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.

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.

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Rigid Goldenrod

Solidago rigida

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

Rigid Goldenrod (Solidago rigida) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 36 to 60 in tall and 18 to 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 to 60 in tall and 18 to 24 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-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 to 9
Water needs: low to medium water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: clay, loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate
Site uses: Slopes & erosion control

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 36 to 60 in tall and 18 to 24 in wide
Planting spacing: ~17 to 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

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

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 to 60 in tall and 18 to 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 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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.
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.