Common Names: Zigzag Goldenrod
Scientific Name: Solidago flexicaulis
 
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Size: Typically grows to a height of 1-3 ft.
Bloom Color: Bright yellow
Bloom Time: Late Summer to Fall
Leaves: The leaves are broad, ovate to lance-shaped, with toothed edges and a slightly rough texture. The stems have a characteristic zigzag pattern, giving the plant its common name.
 
Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade to Full Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist, well-drained

Ecological Benefits
Zigzag Goldenrod is an important native plant in Maryland's woodlands and shaded areas. Its late-season blooms provide a critical nectar source for pollinators, including bees and butterflies, when other food sources may be scarce. The plant's seeds offer food for birds and small mammals in the fall. As a shade-tolerant perennial, Zigzag Goldenrod contributes to the biodiversity and ecological health of Maryland’s natural environments, particularly in forested and shaded landscapes.