Solidago flexicaulis, Zigzag Goldenrod

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.

 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. 

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

🐞*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! 

Solidago flexicaulis Zigzag Goldenrod

Ohio Native Plant Natural Range

Cultivation Information Solidago flexicaulis

Propagation Notes Zig Zag Goldenrod

Seed Stratification

Identifying Characteristics

Wildlife Significance Zig Zag Goldenrod

Flowers Pollinated by

Oligoletic Bees

Beneficial Insects

Seed Provenance Solidago flexicaulis

Contact

Location