Showy Goldenrod vs Stiff-leaved Showy Goldenrod

These two species are visually similar, and until recently were treated as varieties of S. speciosa. They can usually be told apart by leaf width, serration on basal leaves, and leaf texture. S. rigidiuscula ranges farther west and prefers more calcareous soils. It is rare in the southeast and restricted to limestone barrens. S. speciosa ranges farther east and is more tolerant of acidic soils.

References & External Resources

These short lists show only links helpful for ID. For a complete list of references and resources also covering other aspects of ecology, visit the links section of the full article on each plant, which is the first entry here.