When does Riddell's goldenrod bloom?

Riddell's goldenrod typically flowers from August into October, with clusters of small yellow blooms atop stiff stems.

What pollinators visit Riddell's goldenrod?

Bees, butterflies, and beetles regularly visit the flowers for nectar and pollen, especially during the late summer and fall bloom period.

What growing conditions does Riddell's goldenrod need?

This forb does best in full sun with medium moisture, though it can handle wetter soils similar to those found in sedge meadows and fens.

What type of plant is Riddell's goldenrod?

It is an herbaceous perennial forb that dies back to the ground each year and regrows from its base in spring.

Is Riddell'S Goldenrod HOA-friendly?

Riddell'S Goldenrod takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Riddell'S Goldenrod

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Solidago riddellii

Last reviewed: September 2026

Riddell's goldenrod is a clump-forming forb that blooms yellow from August through October in full sun with medium moisture. It is often found in prairies, fens, and calcareous wet meadows across the upper Midwest.

Toxicity unknown

Riddell'S Goldenrod (Solidago riddellii) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–60" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

IL, IN, MI, MN and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Ozark Highlands Western Corn Belt Plains Great Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Interior River Valleys and Hills

Riddell's goldenrod is a tall native wildflower that produces bright yellow flower clusters from late summer through fall. This prairie species forms upright clumps and provides excellent late-season color when many other plants are finishing their bloom cycle.

Growing Riddell'S Goldenrod

Grow Riddell'S Goldenrod in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Riddell'S Goldenrod takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Can appear weedy or unkempt to traditional landscaping preferences
May spread beyond intended boundaries
Associated with wild prairie rather than cultivated gardens

Wildlife value

This goldenrod is exceptionally valuable for pollinators, supporting over 100 species of native bees, butterflies, and beneficial beetles. It serves as a critical nectar source during fall migration periods when few other flowers are available.

Common questions

When does Riddell's goldenrod bloom?: Riddell's goldenrod typically flowers from August into October, with clusters of small yellow blooms atop stiff stems.
What pollinators visit Riddell's goldenrod?: Bees, butterflies, and beetles regularly visit the flowers for nectar and pollen, especially during the late summer and fall bloom period.
What growing conditions does Riddell's goldenrod need?: This forb does best in full sun with medium moisture, though it can handle wetter soils similar to those found in sedge meadows and fens.
What type of plant is Riddell's goldenrod?: It is an herbaceous perennial forb that dies back to the ground each year and regrows from its base in spring.
Is Riddell'S Goldenrod HOA-friendly?: Riddell'S Goldenrod takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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