Stiff goldenrod, a member of the goldenrod group, is often considered more palatable than other species within this group. However, it is still not frequently grazed upon by animals. In prairie ecosystems, stiff goldenrod has a tendency to behave as an invader, meaning that it tends to increase in abundance when the prairie has been weakened by grazing.
In my experience as a gardening and landscaping expert, I have observed that stiff goldenrod has the ability to rapidly colonize areas that have been disturbed or depleted by grazing. When livestock or other animals graze heavily on a prairie, they can selectively consume the more preferred plant species, leaving behind less desirable ones like stiff goldenrod. This creates an opportunity for stiff goldenrod to establish and multiply, as it faces less competition from the more heavily grazed plants.
One possible explanation for the lower palatability of stiff goldenrod compared to other goldenrod species could be its chemical composition. It may contain compounds or secondary metabolites that make it less attractive or nutritious to grazing animals. However, further research is needed to fully understand the factors influencing its palatability.
It is worth noting that the invasiveness of stiff goldenrod can be context-dependent. In areas where the prairie ecosystem is already resilient and diverse, stiff goldenrod may not be able to outcompete other plant species and establish dominance. However, in situations where the prairie has been weakened or disturbed, stiff goldenrod can take advantage of the available resources and become more abundant.
To manage the potential invasiveness of stiff goldenrod, it is important to focus on maintaining a healthy and diverse prairie ecosystem. This can be achieved through proper grazing management, rotational grazing practices, and promoting the growth of desirable plant species. By maintaining a balanced grazing regime and avoiding overgrazing, we can help prevent the weakening of the prairie and reduce the likelihood of stiff goldenrod becoming invasive.
While stiff goldenrod may be more palatable than other goldenrod species, it is still infrequently grazed upon by animals. It has the tendency to behave as an invader in prairie ecosystems, particularly when the prairie has been weakened by grazing. Proper grazing management and promoting a diverse and resilient prairie ecosystem are key strategies in preventing the potential invasiveness of stiff goldenrod.
