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Smith, R.W.

Solidago flexicaulis

Solidago flexicaulis L.

Zigzag Goldenrod, Broadleaf Goldenrod

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Synonym(s): Solidago latifolia

USDA Symbol: sofl2

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

This woodland goldenrod, with erect, somewhat zig-zag stems, bears small flower heads on short axillary stalks from the upper leaves. The plant is 8-48 in. tall with pointed, alternate, oval leaves that are coarsely toothed.

This goldenrod attracts butterflies.

From the Image Gallery

31 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Size Notes: Normally 2 to 4 feet high.
Leaf: Green
Fruit: White. Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: NB , NS , ON , PE , QC
Native Distribution: Que. to e. ND, s. to GA, AR & n.e. KS, mostly in mountains
Native Habitat: Sandy stream banks; rich woods; slopes

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Cold Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Various rich, mesic, acid soils. Tolerates lime.
Conditions Comments: Very easy care for a woodland plant, it does not require mulching as it is adapted to dry conditions.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Good for subtle autumn color
Use Wildlife: Flowers attract butterflies. Seeds attract Swamp Sparrows, Pine Siskins, and Meadow Mice.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Nectar Source: yes

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees
Special Value to Honey Bees
Supports Conservation Biological Control

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Propagation

Propagation Material: Root Division , Seeds
Description: Fresh seed or root division. will spread on its own.
Seed Collection: Seeds ripen soon after plant blooms.

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
Status:	FACU				FACU	FACU		FACU	FACU

This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE

Bibliography

Bibref 928 - 100 easy-to-grow native plants for Canadian gardens (2005) Johnson, L.; A. Leyerle
Bibref 1620 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (Reprint Edition) (2009) Wasowski, S. with A. Wasowski
Bibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, Sally

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Web Reference

Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Solidago flexicaulis in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Solidago flexicaulis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Solidago flexicaulis

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-01-16
Research By: TWC Staff

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