Cliff Goldenrod, Solidago drummondii, is a native perennial which, as the common name suggests, is found on cliffs, bluffs and ledges. Typically grows 1.5-3 feettall on arching stems. Panicles of tiny, bright yellow, daisy-like flowers typically with 3-7 rays per head appear on short branches at the stem ends in late summer to fall. Leaves are ovate, toothed, hairy below and at least 3-veined. Basal leaves generally dry up and disappear by flowering time.
The blooming period occurs during early to mid-autumn, lasting about 1 month. Much smaller and sparsely branched panicles of flower heads may bloom from short leafy stems that develop from the axils of the upper leaves. Fertile florets are replaced by small achenes with sessile tufts of white hair; they are distributed by the wind. The achenes are about 1.5–2 mm long and narrowly bullet-shaped. The root system consists of a short branching rootstock, sometimes forming a small caudex on older robust plants. Sometimes clonal plants are produced from short stout rhizomes.
Habitats include borders of wooded bluffs, openings in rocky wooded bluffs, limestone glades, ledges and tops of limestone cliffs, and crevices of limestone cliffs. The bluffs and cliffs are typically located along rivers. This conservative species is found primarily in high quality natural areas.
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates poor, dry soils and light shade, but performs best in full sun. This species is primarily clump-forming and does not spread aggressively as do some of the other goldenrod species.