overlay image

Manitoba Museum


Aster (Asteraceae)

Riddell's Goldenrod

Solidago riddellii Frank ex Riddell

Riddell’s Goldenrod provides pollen to a wide range of insects including flies, bees, wasps, moths, and butterflies. Habitat loss, due to conversion of prairie to farmland and urbanization, is the main force driving population declines. This species is also sensitive to changes in moisture caused by drainage projects. It reproduces by wind-scattered fruits or by sending up shoots from an underground stem.

Flower Colour:

  • Yellow

Flowering Season:

  • Summer
  • Fall

Flowering Months:

  • August
  • September

Canadian Rarity Status:

Protected under Canada’s Species at Risk Act and Manitoba’s Endangered Species Act. In Ontario it is a “special concern” species. The collection of wild plants and seeds is illegal on public lands.

Physical Appearance:

Riddell’s Goldenrod is an herbaceous perennial with an underground woody stem. It has multiple upright stems, and can grow to 1 m tall. Its’ long, narrow, tapered leaves curve downwards, and have 3 prominent veins. Lower leaves are larger and stalked, while upper leaves are smaller with no stalks. The small flowering heads occur in clusters of 30-several hundred. The outer (ray) flowers have short petals and the inner (disk) flowers are small and tube-shaped.

Similar Species:

Canada Goldenrod, Low Goldenrod (Solidago missouriensis Nutt.), Showy Goldenrod, Velvety Goldenrod (Solidago mollis Bartl.)

Gardening Notes:

Do not purchase wild-collected seeds or plants. Seeds and/or plants from nursery-raised stock may be available.

Canadian Distribution:

  • Manitoba
  • Ontario

Prairie Types:

  • Tall Grass Prairie

Habitats:

  • Ditches
  • Prairies
  • Railways
  • Wetlands

Moisture Conditions:

  • Moist
  • Wet

Light Preference:

  • Full Sun

Soil Preference:

  • Calcareous
  • Clay
  • Loam
  • Organic
Riddell's Goldenrod