Zig-Zag Goldenrod

By Kathy Purdy on Sep 26, 2018 08:18 pm

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.

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.

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Kathy Purdy, author of the award-winning ColdClimateGardening.com, has been gardening in the cold climate of upstate NY for over 25 years. She lives with her husband and children on ten acres in upstate NY, where she gardens as much as the short growing season will allow. Kathy a special interest in colchicums and heirloom narcissus, but loves any plant that will happily grow where she does. Kathy would love to speak to your group. Click here for a list of topics and reviews.