Zigzag Goldenrod
Solidago flexicaulis
The goldenrod for shade: late-season gold along distinctive zigzag stems, bringing pollinator value where other goldenrods stretch and fail.
Typically 1 pint–1 gal · $9–$30 · final price at pickup
- Thu, Aug 138 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Aug 148 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Aug 158 AM – 2 PM
The only goldenrod that genuinely thrives in shade. brings late-season color and pollinator value to woodland gardens that no sun-loving goldenrod can reach.
Zigzag Goldenrod is named for the distinctly angled, zigzagging stem that carries the leaves and flowers: the stem bends at each leaf node, creating a distinctive pattern that makes the plant identifiable from across the garden. Unlike most goldenrods, which are full-sun plants for open meadows, Zigzag Goldenrod is a woodland species that blooms in late summer and fall in part to full shade. This is the goldenrod for the shade garden, bringing the same pollinator value and late-season gold to spots where other goldenrods would stretch and fail. The flowers appear as scattered axillary clusters along the zigzag stem rather than in large terminal plumes, giving the whole plant a loose, naturalistic quality that suits woodland edge plantings perfectly. It spreads slowly by rhizome to form a modest colony under trees, and the large, toothed leaves are attractive from spring through fall. For native woodland gardens in need of a fall-blooming anchor, Zigzag Goldenrod is often the best available option.
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown zigzag goldenrod propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
- Sun
- Part sun
- Water
- Average
- Mature size
- 1.5–3 ft · 18–24 in wide
- Bloom time
- Late summer through fall
- Bloom color
- Yellow
- USDA zones
- 3–8
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native range
- Eastern North America from Nova Scotia south to Georgia; moist, rich deciduous woodlands
Care notes for zigzag goldenrod.
Part to full shade, moist, average to humus-rich soil. More shade and moisture tolerant than most goldenrods. Spreads moderately by rhizome. divide in spring to contain if needed. Cut to ground in early spring. Minimal pest pressure. Mulch with shredded leaves to mimic native woodland floor conditions.
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside zigzag goldenrod.
Or skip the guesswork.
Curated packages bundle complementary species for an instant habitat. One reservation, one pickup day, a printed layout map.
Short on Space Package
For gardeners who have an abundance of passion but are short on space, this package features tidy, upright, clump-forming natives that behave and function well in small spaces.
Shade Bed Package
Ferns, sedges, and woodland natives that thrive under existing trees.
Birder’s Paradise Package
For the avid bird watchers and budding ornithologists in our community, the Birder’s Paradise Package consists of species that Hill House Nursery staff and longtime native plant advocates such as Doug Tallamy consider ‘premier bird garden plants’.