Zig-Zag Goldenrod

– Posted in: Native/Invasive, The Secret Garden
6 comments

I‘ve lived on this land almost seven years now, and I’m still discovering native plants growing wild here. This month’s find was zig-zag goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis). Sometimes–but not always–the stem zigs and zags as it grows.

zigzag goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis) showing zig

Here you can see one spot on the stem where it zigged a little.

There are lots of different goldenrods, but according to Minnesota Wildflowers, it’s pretty easy to identify zig-zag goldenrod.

  • woodland habitat
  • broad, coarsely toothed leaves
  • erect flower clusters
  • blooms from late summer to fall

zigzag goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis) closeup

Not so “in-your-face” as its field-growing cousins, shade-loving zig-zag goldenrod has a quiet beauty.

I discovered this patch on a spit of land where I plan to place a bench so it has a view of the back creek.
back creek

This is the view the bench will have, once I’ve cleared some brush. This photo was taken in winter, but you get the idea.

I usually don’t visit this area in fall–I’m too busy gawking at colchicums. It’s encouraging to see the diversity of native plants we still have, despite the encroaching invasives. Finding zig-zag goldenrod reminds me that every season has its own beauty.

Posted for Wildflower Wednesday, created by Gail of Clay and Limestone, to share wildflowers/native plants no matter where you garden.

About the Author

Kathy Purdy is a colchicum evangelist, converting unsuspecting gardeners into colchicophiles. She gardens in rural upstate NY, which used to be USDA Hardiness Zone 4 but is now Zone 5. Kathy’s been writing since 4th grade, gardening since high school, and blogging since 2002. Find her on Instagram as kopurdy.

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.

~Albert Camus in Albert Camus quotations

Comments on this entry are closed.

Diana Studer October 6, 2018, 7:09 am

It is exciting to find wild volunteers in the garden. And what a gift to have a view of a live stream!

Calvin October 5, 2018, 11:44 pm

The pasture out back by where I grew up was full of goldenrods–an entire pasture. So this was a nice reminder! Also that is a lovely view by the creek!

Frank September 29, 2018, 7:38 am

Lucky you, it really is surprising to be able to find things like that in an are which already seems so familiar.
Seven years…. it really doesn’t seem so long…

Lea's Menagerie September 27, 2018, 7:47 am

Pretty Goldenrods!
Have a great day!

Lisa at Greenbow September 27, 2018, 6:10 am

And beautiful it is. I see this beauty in a wooded area at a park where we walk. I have often thought of planting it in my garden someplace. Just it’s name makes me smile.
Your creek certainly deserves a bench.

Kathy Purdy September 27, 2018, 7:30 am

Thank you, Lisa. I’d be interested to hear how zig-zag goldenrod does in your garden.