Solidago flexicaulis Zigzag Goldenrod

Ohio Native Plant Natural Range

To view the natural range of Solidago flexicaulis visit the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service website.
Late fall source of pollen!
Leaves become smaller as you move up stem


Cultivation Information Solidago flexicaulis

Sun - Part sun - Shade, Woodland Edge, moist rich forests, ravines, rocky limestone forestsHeight - 2 - 3 ftFlower Color - YellowBlooms - August - SeptemberHardy Zone - 3 to 8 Perennial Soil - Well- drained, can handle heavy clay, does best in decious wood land edge, with an abundance of leaf humusSpreads - Self-seed and rhizomes Rhizomes - Root System, Creeping Rootstalks, potentially a bit too aggressive for small gardens, on the other hand they are perfect strategy for filling in shady gardens. Family - Asteraceae Garden Companions - We intentionally propagated Zigzag Goldenrod and Big Leafed Aster (Eurybia macrophylla) in 2022 as they have over lapping blooming times and require similar growing conditions.
Notice that leaves futher down the stem are wider
Propagation Notes Zig Zag Goldenrod
Seed Stratification
Germination - Seed requires 60 days of cold moist storage
Winter of 2022 - Seed was stored in a plastic bag, mixed with vermiculite, for two months. Vermiculite maintains moisture and help prevent molding.
Seed was planted inside and grown under florescent lights. A controlled environment, serves as a mean of learning to identify seedlings as well become familiar with their idiosyncrasies.
Germination Rate - A two months seed stratification resulted in a especially high germination of seed.
Fall 2023 - Once I am familiar with a native plant, they are not coddled, rather sown under glass cold frames outdoors.
Identifying Characteristics
Serrated leaf edges of Zig Zag Goldenrod

Wildlife Significance Zig Zag Goldenrod

Flowers Pollinated by
Long-tongued bees - BumbleBees, Long Horned Bees, Small Carpenter Bees,and Leafcutter Bees. Small-tongued bees - Mining bees, Sweat bees, Green Metallic Bees Many insects - Benifical wasps, flies and Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Oligoletic Bees
Oligolectic Bees - Bees who have specific plants from which they collect and feed on pollen.
Mining Bees - The family Andrendae, is the largest family of native bees worldwide, with 4,000 members. That is a big family! Those individuals who specifically collect pollen from Solidago flexicaulis are: Andrena hirticincta, Andrena nubecula, Andrena placata, Andrena simplex and Andrena solidaginis. Sounds like a concrete social structure, everyone plays a role in keeping the community vibrant and healthy.
Seeking Sweet Nectar - Sweat Bees, Yellow-Faced Bees, Green Faced Bees, Bumble bees, Mason Wasps, Carrot Wasps and flies. Birds - As the day grows shorter, insects attracted to this late season bloomer provide a consistent source of protein for songbirds, quail and wild pheasant. Deer Preference - Darn! Deer find Zig Zag Goldenrod tasty. However, I have noticed an abundance of this native wildflower growing along the hiking trails in the Cleveland Metroparks. Perhaps, once they are established there is enough for everyone. For detailed information visit the Illinois Wildflower website

Beneficial Insects

🐞 Goldenrod Solider Beetle (Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus)
🐝Hairy-banded Mining Bee (Andrena hirticincta)
🐞*Thank you Bruce Cook! inaturalist.org, Public Domain 🐝 Thank you Glenn Berry! inaturalist.org Public Domain
There is a hubbub of delightful activity occurring behind the scenes in our gardens, which would be easy to overlook. Take for instance, the Goldenrod Solider Beetle, a pest at first glance, however when investigating its role in our ecosystem it becomes apparent they are unassuming workhorses whose larvae tirelessly consume more than their share of aphids and other agricultural pest. Late in the growing season you are most likely to notice adults on: Milkweed, Rattlesnake Master and of course Goldenrod; they mosey right on by the thick green leaves and congregate towards the flowers. Their mission; dine on sweet nectar, indulge in life sustaining pollen (protein) and of course secure a handsome date! Perhaps, not as attractive as bee and butterflies but working right alongside of them assisting in the pollinator of our wildflowers!
Seed Provenance Solidago flexicaulis
Nodding Onion Gardens - 2022 - present - Prairie Moon Nursery, Winona, MN - 2021