Minnesota Wildflowers


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Solidago flexicaulis (Zigzag Goldenrod)

Plant Info
Also known as: Broad-leaved Goldenrod
Genus:Solidago
Family:Asteraceae (Aster)
Life cycle:perennial
Origin:native
Habitat:part shade, shade; woods
Bloom season:August - October
Plant height:1 to 3 feet
USDA PLANTS database:Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:

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Detailed Information

Flower: 7+petals raceme

[photo of flowers] Spike clusters 2 to 6 inches long of 3/8-inch yellow flowers with 3 to 5 petals (ray flowers). Spikes branch from the leaf joints on the upper part of the plant and stay erect, not nodding over like many other goldenrods do.

Leaves and stem: alternate simple

[photo of leaves] Leaves are up to 3 inches wide and 5 inches long, softly hairy and coarsely toothed with a broad rounded base and pointed tip. The leaf narrows abruptly at the base, leaving “wings” on either side of the leaf stem. Leaves become smaller as they ascend the main stem.

[photo of stem] The stem can zig-zag between the alternately attached leaves, hence the common name, but can also be nearly straight.

Where to buy native seed and plants

Help support this site by buying seeds & plants from these vendors. Tell them we sent you!

  • Prairie Restorations - Bringing people together with the land
  • Shop for native seeds and plants at PrairieMoon.com!
  • Out Back Nursery and Landscaping - Where Ecology and Horticulture Unite
  • Shooting Star Native Seeds - Native Prairie Grass and Wildflower Seeds

Map of native plant purveyors in the upper midwest

More photos

Photos taken at Wild River State Park, Center City, MN and Maplewood Nature Center, Maplewood, MN, September 2007

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?

Posted by: Alison in St. Paul, MN
on: 2010-07-12 15:43:20

Zigzag goldenrod can be found at Lilydale Regional Park in Saint Paul, MN.

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