Broad Leaf Goldenrod (Solidago Flexicaulis)

Features and Characteristics

Solidago flexicaulis, commonly called zigzag or broadleaf goldenrod, is a rhizomatous perennial that is native to rich woods and thickets from Nova Scotia to North Dakota south to Georgia and Arkansas. In Missouri, it typically occurs in wooded areas throughout much of the state except for certain unglaciated prairie regions and in the far northwestern counties. It typically grows upright to 2-3’ tall, but sometime to as much as 4’ tall in the western parts of its range. This species is distinguished by its zigzag stems and its toothed, broad-ovate leaves. Leaves (2-7” long) are sharply pointed at the tips. Stems are sometimes but not always in a zigzag shape. Flowers appear in small, axillary clusters on the upper parts of the stems and stem ends. Flowers bloom from mid-summer to fall. Flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. Goldenrods in general have been wrongfully accused of causing hay fever which is actually an allergic reaction to wind-borne pollen from other plants such as ragweed.

Genus name comes from the Latin words solidus meaning whole and ago meaning to make in reference to the medicinal healing properties of some species plants.

Specific epithet means having a flexible stem.