Sun Exposure: Part Shade, Shade
Soil Moisture: Medium-Wet, Medium, Medium-Dry
Soil Type: Sand-Loam, Loam, Loam-Clay
Height: 2 - 3 foot
Spread: 2 - 3 feet
Blooms: August, September, October
Root: Fibrous, Rhizome
Habitat: Deciduous woodlands, Low areas in woodlands and along streams, Shaded limestone cliffs. This wildflower is usually found in higher quality natural areas.
Landscape uses: Ground Cover, Woodland garden, Naturalization, Shade garden
Complimentary Plants: White Goldenrod
Wildlife Value: The flowerheads are a source of nutrition for pollinators in late season. Host Plant: Many species of moths
Seed Origin: Blue Mountains, ON
Germination Code: C(60)
Photo credits: #3/4 by Sundaura Alford-Purvis
Solidago flexicaulis - Zigzag Goldenrod
Zig Zag Goldenrod gets its name from the way the leaves "zig zag" on the stem. The small flowers appear from late summer to early fall in a cluster near the top of the plant, and provide late season food for pollinators.
Goldenrods often get blamed for causing the dreaded hayfever. This is simply not true. Their pollen is quite large and sticky so as to better adhere to the body of visiting insects. Because of this, goldenrod pollen cannot become airborne and can never make its way into your sinuses. The true cause of hayfever is the wind pollinated ragweeds, which broadcast copious amounts of lightweight pollen into the air. We cannot stress enough how important goldenrods are on the landscape. Including them in your property will provide ecosystem services well into the fall when most other plant life is shutting down.