Zig Zag Goldenrod

(Solidago flexicaulis)

Left: Solidago flexicaulis in ASMSA Garden in Spring 2024.

Above: Solidago flexicaulis blooming.

Plant Characteristics

Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

Zig Zag Goldenrod can live in all sun conditions and prefers acidic soil. It is a very hardy plant, able to live in many conditions.

Growth Habit/Description:

Perennial, plant with small yellow flowers on the tips of plant. Has many dark green leaves, and can grow to be 3'-4' tall.

Bloom Season:

Many small yellow flowers appear in July, August, September, and October.

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

Yes, leaves turn golden in the fall.

https://bonap.net/MapGallery/County/Solidago%20flexicaulis.png

Distribution

Habitat: Zig Zag Goldenrod can grow on sandy slopes, in woodlands, and streambeds.

Native to Arkansas? Yes

Native to Garland County? Yes

Endemic to Arkansas? No

Ecological Value

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

No.

Other Known Ecological Value?

Attract pollinators and birds, recognized as a special importance to native honeybees, bees, and to attract bugs that will eat pests by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation

Other Interesting Facts

Reason for Name:

The Zig Zag Goldenrod gets its name from the "zig zag" shaped stems it has.

Tasty Seeds:

Swamp Sparrows, Pine Siskins, and Meadow Mice are known to be attracted to the seeds dropped by the Zig Zag Goldenrod.

References

Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center Plant Database. Austin (TX). Solidago flexicaulis. [Cited 2024, May 2]. Available from: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SOFL2

Last edited by Kira Burnett, May 2024