Table of Contents for Zigzag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis)
Zigzag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis) is a herbaceous perennial that is native to the eastern United States. This species is a host to the baltimore checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton) and several moths. Growing from 0.5 feet to 3 feet tall, this species grows in wooded areas that are shaded and thickets. The yellow flowers bloom from July to October and the plant is hardy in zones 3-8.
Taxonomy and Naming of Zigzag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis)
Taxonomy
Zigzag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis) was originally named and described by Carl Linnaeus, in Species Plantarum (1753). It has kept this same name since and is a member of the Aster Family (Asteraceae).
Meaning of the Scientific and Common Names
Scientific Name
The genus name, Solidago, derives from the Latin words, Solidus and ago, which together mean to make (ago) whole (Solidus). This meaning comes from the medicinal uses of the plant. The species name, flexicaulis, is for the flexible stem.
Common Name and Alternative Names
The common name comes from the multiple directions of the stem. Some other common names include broad-leaved goldenrod (Missouri Botanical Garden Bulletin 1920), and broad-leaf goldenrod (Knapp and Naczi 2021).
Physical Description
- Plant Type: This plant is a herbaceous perennial.
- Height: 0.5 ft (0.2 m) to 3 ft (0.9 m)
- Stem: The stems are flexible and pubescent (Flora of North America).
- Leaves: The leaves are alternate, with basal rosettes and cauline leaves, ovate or winged-shaped, petioles are winged, and serrate margins. They are 2 in (5 cm) to 7 in (18 cm) long and 1 in (1 cm) to 4 in (10.1 cm) wide.
- Flower color: yellow
- Blooming period: This plant blooms from July to October.
- Fruiting type and period: This plant has achenes that mature in the late fall and winter.
Range of Zigzag Goldenrod in the United States and Canada
This goldenrod species is native to the mid-western and eastern United States and Canada. It is considered to be rare in the states of Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and North Dakota.
Habitat
This species grows in shaded woods and thickets (Flora of North America), sugar maple woods (Day and Catling 1991), mixed woods and glades (Gillett 1991), roadsides in shade (Gordon 1940), low moist woods (McVaugh 1935), and rich woods (Leonard 1917).
Hosted Insects
This goldenrod, like a lot of other goldenrods, is a host to wavy-lined emerald (Synchlora aerata). The genus in general is a host to the Baltimore Checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton) and black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes).
Other Supported Wildlife
This species is a nectar source to other butterflies, skippers, bees, and wasps during the growing season. It is especially important since it provides a nectar source in the late season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this plant have any ethnobotanical uses?
The Native American Ethobotanical Database shows that this species has been used for pain relief, stomach problems, and sore throats.
How is this plant distinguished from other Goldenrods?
This goldenrod is similar to the blue-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago caesia) which has a straight stem, whereas zigzag goldenrod has a zigzag (angled) stem (Gillett 1991).
Is this plant invasive?
This has been noted as being weedy in garden situations (Swink 1986).
Gardening with Zigzag Goldenrod
Hardiness
This species is hardy in zones 3-8. If your garden is within these zones and you have the right growing conditions (soil, moisture and exposure), you may well be able to grow this plant. However, if planted outside of its range, the hosted species may not recognize the plant or be harmed by ingesting a different species with an unfamiliar chemical composition.
Optimal Conditions
This species enjoys full sun to shade in moist to medium well-drained soils.
References
- Day, Robin and Paul M. Catling. 1991. The Rare Vascular Plants of Prince Edward Island. Syllogeus No. 67.
- Gillett, John. 1991. Goldenrods. Trail and Landscape 25(4): 114-121.
- Gordon, Robert B. 1940. The Primeval Forest Types of Southwestern New York. New York State Museum Bulletin vol. 321
- Knapp, Wesley M. and Robert F. Naczi. 2021. Vascular Plants of Maryland, USA – A Comprehensive Account of the State’s Botanical Diversity. Smithsonian Contributions to Botany No. 113.
- Leonard, Emery C. 1917. The Astereae of Ohio. The Ohio Journal of Science 18(2): 33-57.
- McVaugh, Rogers. 1935. Recent changes in the composition of a local flora. Bulletin of the Torry Botanical Club 62: 479-489.
- Missouri Botanical Garden Bulletin. 1920. Native Plants Suitable for the Gardens of Missouri and Adjoining States. VI. Native Perennials For Natural and Wild Gardens. Volume 8: 85-91.
- Swink, Floyd A. 1986. Wildflowers of the Chicago Area – Late Summer and Autumn. Field Museum of Natural History Bulletin 57: 11-18.
