
Solidago flexicaulis
Zigzag Goldenrod
Clusters of small yellow flowers appear August-September, and are attractive to bees and butterflies.
Description:
Clusters of small yellow flowers appear August-September at the tip of the central stem, and also develop in the leaf axils, where the leaves are attached to the stem. Zigzag Goldenrod is named for the way that its stem “zig-zags”between the alternating leaf pattern. A woodland plant in the wild, Zigzag Goldenrod grows best in dappled shade, but will also grow in full shade and tolerate full sun. It grows in well-drained sandy soil but also tolerates clay soil. Zig Zag Goldenrod can be easily grown from seed and will self-seed in the garden. It may also spread through rhizomes. It’s a lovely addition to the native plant garden, naturalized areas, woodland edges and shade gardens.
Wildlife Value: Zigzag Goldenrod flowers are attractive to long-tongued bees, small-tongued bees, wasps, flies, and butterflies. It is a host plant for many moth caterpillars, which are also a source of food for songbirds.
Plant Details:
Plant Type: Flower, Perennial
New Jersey Native: Yes
Bloom Times: Late Summer to Fall
Bloom Colors: Yellow
Deer Resistance: Some
Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Bees and Other Pollinators, Butterflies, Birds
Salt Tolerance: Unknown
Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Physiographic Region: All Regions in NJ
Soil Characteristics
Soil Type: Loam, Organic, Sandy, Clay
Soil pH: Slightly Acidic, Neutral, Slightly Alkaline
Light Needs of Plant
Optimal Light: Partial Shade
Light Range: Full Sun, Partial Shade, Shade
Water Needs of Plant
Drought Tolerance: Medium
Size and Growth Rate
Height: 1 - 3 ft
Spread: 1 - 2 ft
Growth Rate: Medium-fast