Solidago flexicaulis

Zigzag goldenrod’s bright yellow blooms cluster at the base of its serrated leaves like mounds of shining riches. At the top of the plant, these flowers proliferate into a splendid crown. Numerous insects are drawn to the floral wealth, and many moth and butterfly caterpillars consume the plant’s foliage. 

Native to NE Ohio moist and mesic forests, zigzag goldenrod has outstanding shade tolerance. The plant is known to form extensive colonies through spreading rhizomes, and with its handsome form, it is well suited to be a cornerstone plant of the shade garden. Other woodland wildflowers that also display a strong colony-forming habit include white wood aster, foamflower, and jumpseed.

Among the common bee visitors to zigzag goldenrod are the sweat bees of the genus Lasioglossum. The plant's shallow blooms make nectar and pollen available to these and other small pollinators who possess short mouthparts. These organisms rely on late-blooming plants like zigzag goldenrod to build their energy stores prior to hibernation.

References: 1,2,3,4,5.

Photos © Mike Zifkin, CC BY 4.0.