Zigzag Goldenrod

Solidago flexicaulis

Native to:
Canada, Prince Edward I., United States

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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:
90 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
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
Deer Resistant:
Yes

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 — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Cold stratification improves germination rates. Seeds can be surface sown as they require light for germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI