Zigzag Goldenrod
Solidago flexicaulis
- Native to:
- Canada, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
Mason Brock ( Masebrock (en.wikipedia.org) )
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Solidago
- Species:
- Solidago flexicaulis
- USDA Symbol:
- SOFL2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Coleophora duplicis, Dichomeris bilobella, Dichomeris euprepes, Gnorimoschema gallaeasterella
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern (Bombus impatiens), ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) Moths:Brown-hooded owlet (Cucullia convexipennis), Gnorimoschema gallaeasterella
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded woodland environments
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate after cold stratification; surface sow on moist soil.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- North Creek Nurseries (nursery)
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)
- Pizzo Native Plant Nursery (wholesale nursery)
- Wild Seed Project (seeds)