Stiff Goldenrod

Solidago rigida has leaves that are soft, grayish-green and very hairy, almost rough. Stems of the stiff goldenrod are very hairy as well, even soft to the touch. Leaves clasp the stem. Bloom time is late summer, August into September. By October, when I took this photo near Staples, MN, the flowers had gone to seed. That day, this sun loving plant was happily ripening its seed fruits in the open and dry field in which it was growing. Next to it, some New England asters(___) were still blooming as that flower comes into its glory very late in the season.