Stiff Goldenrod is a widely adaptable species, thriving in a range of soils from clay to dry sand. A glowing beauty in the autumn landscape, the flowers are a favorite of Monarch butterflies as they fuel up for their fall migration. Songbirds love to perch on the stems of Stiff Goldenrod and take advantage of the abundant seed in the fall.
Goldenrods are keystone species in ecoregions across North America, and play an influential role in system biodiversity. Pollen, nesting sites, and a critical source of late-season nectar are available in abundance for bees, butterflies, and other insects. Goldenrod gall flies lay their eggs in the plant stem, and the developing larvae are a rich source of protein for chickadees and woodpeckers in the middle of winter. Numerous small moths use this goldenrod as a larval host plant, including the Wavy-Lined Emerald and Green Leuconycta moths.
Stiff Goldenrod self-seeds readily, which may not be desirable for smaller settings. Removal of the seed heads is a reliable way to control unwanted spread.