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Drawing copyright Mark Müller
Asteraceae Family - "Stiff Goldenrod, Rigid Goldenrod, Hard-leaved Goldenrod"
Solidago comes from the Latin word solido meaning "to strengthen; to make solid". Rigida is the Latin word for "stiff; unyielding".
Very common in the eastern Us and the eastern portion of the Tallgrass biome on dry prairies, dry open woods, along roadsides and in disturbed areas. Yellow to yellow-orange flowers appear at the top of the plant in slightly rounded, dense clusters that can be several inches across; blooms from August to October. Leaves are alternate on the stem and are sparsely toothed and leathery.
A lotion was made years ago from Stiff Goldenrod for treating bee stings. Prior to that, early settlers made a thick tea from the leaves to treat swollen throats.
This species is invasive that increases in grazed pastures because it is only eaten in its early stages of growth.
