Family: Asteraceae
Name: Solidago flexicaulis - Zig Zag Goldenrod
Bloom Time: August - September
Flower: Yellow
Soil Condition: moist-average, well drained
Light: Sun, Partial Shade, Shade
Height: 12-36" tall by 12-36" wide
Native Range: Eastern North America including Long Island
Zone: 2 to 9
Solidago flexicaulis is one of three goldenrods that will tolerate full shade (the other two are Solidago odora - Sweet or Wreath Goldenrod and Solidago caesia - Bluestem Goldenrod). Besides those two fantastic attributes, it's also great for pollinators and easy to grow from seed. Great in a fall planter and as a fresh cut flower. Tolerates clay soil and drought. Fall color is subtle but attractive and the fuzzy seed heads are quite ornamental.
Fun facts: Goldenrod is not responsible for hay fever as it is insect pollinated. The hay fever culprit is our native Ambrosia artemisiifolia - Common Ragweed, which is wind pollinated. The common name comes from the zig-zag like stems.
Maintenance: Collect seed heads if you do not want it to self sow. Trim plant back by 1/2 in early July to promote a bushier and more floriferous plant.
Benefits: juglone tolerant (Black Walnut), birds eat the seeds, nectar source, host plant to several moth species
Companion Plants: Symphyotrichum cordifolium - Blue Wood Aster, Aquilegia canadensis - Wild Columbine, Carex pensylvanica - Oak Sedge, Polystichum acrostichoides - Christmas Fern, Chrysogonum virginianum - Green and Gold
pics: KMS Native Plants LLC
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References:
1. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b917
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