Solidago flexicaulis

Solidago flexicaulis: Zigzag Stems of Gold for the Shade

Zigzag goldenrod walks home like it closed the bar, stems wobbling left and right, and still looks great. Bright yellow clusters light up the shade, where most goldenrods refuse to go. NATIVE AND A LITTLE TIPSY.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Solidago flexicaulis
• Common Name: Zigzag Goldenrod, Broad-leaved Goldenrod
• Height: 60–90 cm (2–3 ft)
• Spread: 45–75 cm (18–30 in), spreading slowly by rhizomes
• Flowers: Bright yellow, in small clusters along the upper stem and at the tips
• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall (August to October)
• Foliage: Broad, oval, sharply toothed green leaves on slightly zigzagging stems
• Features: Shade tolerant

Where to Plant: Plant it in woodland gardens, along shady borders, under high trees, or in native plant gardens that need late-season colour. Give it room, since it slowly fills in to make a loose, natural-looking groundcover.

Companion Plants: Cimicifuga racemosa sends white spires to 120 to 180 cm in July and August, a tall backdrop for this shade-loving goldenrod. Eurybia divaricata 'Eastern Star' blooms white at 30 to 45 cm from August to October, alongside the yellow sprays. Heuchera 'Grape Soda' adds pink flowers at 20 to 25 cm from May to August along the front. All three are at home in full shade to partial sun.

Plant Care: Plant in average to rich, moist, well-drained soil in part sun to shade. It's happiest in woodsy soil with some organic matter, and it tolerates clay. Water through the first season and during long dry spells. It spreads gently by underground stems. If it moves beyond where you want it, pull or dig the edges in spring. Cut the stems back in late fall or leave them standing until spring. Divide in spring.

History: Zigzag goldenrod is native to eastern North America, from Quebec and Ontario south to Georgia and west to the Dakotas and Kansas, in rich deciduous woods and on shaded slopes. The species name flexicaulis means bent or flexible stem, describing its zigzag habit.

Final Thoughts: Under trees, along a woodland edge, wherever it's too dark for its cousins. Deer pass, bees don't. SHADE JUST GOT A GOLD STAR.