Family:     Asteraceae (Sunflower family)

Duration:  Perennial

Height:     40 -100 cm (1 to 3 ft)

Blooming: Sept. - Oct.

 

Riddell's Goldenrod

Solidago riddellii Frank ex Riddell

Stem: glabrous (no hair) and erect.  

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Flowers: are in 30-450 yellow flowerheads. These are arranged in a flat-topped arrangement set up like stages on risers.

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Leaves: the basal leaves usually wither by the time the plant flowers. The leaves are alternately arranged and fold longitudinally along the midrib leading to a sharp point. Many times the petioles are winged. The leaves have a rough texture.  

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Sun: Full 

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Ideal condition: moist, rich soil in full sun.

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SOURCES & FURTHER RESOURCES:

Flora of North America - Solidago riddellii

Bonap map - Solidago

Plants of the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden - Riddell's goldenrod

Michigan Flora - Solidago riddellii

Minnesota Wildflowers - Riddell's goldenrod

all photos by Nathanael Pilla

Landscape: A wonderful goldenrod for adding that fall yellow to your flowerbed. It is low maintenance and does not usually get powdery mildew as with other goldenrods.

Comments: Riddell's goldenrod is very similar to Ohio goldenrod. Riddell's goldenrod has longitudinally folded leaves and has 3 or more longitudinal veins. Ohio goldenrod has one longitudinal vein and is not folded.   

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Etymology: The epithet name riddellii is in honor of the botanist, John Leonard Riddell. The genus, solidago, comes from the Latin word, solida meaning "whole" and ago meanining "to make".

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