Solidago riddellii aka Riddell's Goldenrod

Solidago riddellii, or Riddell's goldenrod, belongs to the aster family. It is a herbaceous perennial from temperate North America. Its native range covers central and eastern Canada. It also reaches the north-central and northeastern United States. In Missouri, it is a scarce native of wet meadows. There, it grows only in the state's Ozark region. The RHS lists it as non-native to Britain and Ireland.

The plant grows about 3–4 feet (0.91–1.22 metres) tall. Its listed garden spread is 2 feet (0.61 metres). Stiff, hairless stems hold the flowers above the leaves. The leaves are narrow and shaped like slender lances. Dense flower clusters form at the ends of the stems. These clusters stand erect and have flat tops. Each cluster holds many tiny, bright yellow flowers. Together, they make a clear patch of late-season color. The blooms draw both bees and butterflies to the garden.

Flowering falls in late summer and early autumn. Missouri Botanical Garden lists September to October as the bloom period. This timing adds color as the growing season nears its end. Removing spent flower clusters can help bring more blooms. The plant suits wet parts of native plant gardens. It also fits wet meadows, prairies, and wild gardens. Rain gardens offer another use where wet soil suits it. Its yellow flowers add contrast in these planted areas.

Grow this goldenrod in full sun and wet soil. Missouri Botanical Garden describes it as easy to grow. It needs little routine care under those conditions. It tolerates clay soil as well as wet ground. The same source lists USDA hardiness zones 3–7. Its wet-soil needs matter when choosing a garden site. A sunny, wet area matches the stated growing conditions. The plant also resists deer, which can aid landscape use.

Serious insect and disease problems are not reported for this species. Leaf rust can occur from time to time. Growth may need control through division every two or three years. This need is worth considering in a planned planting. The supplied sources give no species-level information on edible parts. They also provide no clear finding on human or pet toxicity. Neither food use nor safety can be established from this evidence.