Back to species databaseForb / Wildflower

Zig Zag Goldenrod

Solidago flexicaulis

Photo coming soon
Category
Forb / Wildflower
Sun
Partial to Shade
Soil moisture
Medium-Wet to Medium-Dry
Bloom time
Aug–Oct
Bloom color
Yellow
Notes
Aggressive, Rhizomatous

About Zig Zag Goldenrod

Zig Zag Goldenrod is a charismatic and sturdy woodland plant named for its unique, angular stems that change direction at every leaf node. This distinctive growth habit is paired with broad, sharply toothed, oval leaves that are much wider than those of most other goldenrod species. From late summer through autumn, it produces cheerful clusters of yellow flowers that brighten the forest floor or shaded garden corners. Growing 1 to 3 feet tall, this species is native to the rich, moist woods of eastern and central North America. It is an invaluable resource for late-season pollinators, providing nectar and pollen when many other woodland plants have finished blooming. Zig Zag Goldenrod thrives in partial sun to full shade and is adaptable to soil moisture levels ranging from medium-wet to medium-dry. While it can spread in ideal conditions due to its rhizomatous nature, it is an excellent choice for naturalizing in shaded areas where it can form a beautiful, wildlife-rich groundcover that supports local biodiversity.

Native range

Native to 34 states:

AlabamaArkansasConnecticutD.C.DelawareGeorgiaIowaIllinoisIndianaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMassachusettsMarylandMaineMichiganMinnesotaMissouriNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNebraskaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew YorkOhioPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeVirginiaVermontWisconsinWest Virginia

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Solidago flexicaulis

Range map courtesy of BONAP (Biota of North America Program).

Have more questions on Zig Zag Goldenrod?

the prairie farm FORUM

Want to grow Zig Zag Goldenrod?

Get a Quote