Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District
Zigzag Goldenrod
(Broadleaved Goldenrod)
Solidago flexicaulis
[C-value
7]
Aster family (Asteraceae)
Blooms August -
September
The native Zigzag Goldenrod is uncommon in our area. It prefers light to medium shade and moist fertile loamy soil with decaying organic matter. Habitats include rich deciduous woodlands, protected wooded slopes facing north or east, calcareous seeps in wooded areas and low areas along woodland streams. This perennial is 2-3' tall, usually unbranched with a central stem that zigzags between the alternate leaves. The leaves are 2-5" long and 1-4" across, coarsely toothed and widely spreading. The lower to middle leaves are oval-shaped, while the upper leaves are more lance-shaped. The terminal raceme with alternating panicles of flowers is 1½–5" long. Each flower is about ¼" across with 3-4 yellow ray florets.
Zigzag Goldenrod at Lyon Forest Preserve September 16, 2017
Zigzag Goldenrod at Richard Young Forest Preserve September 14, 2013
Zigzag Goldenrod foliage at Richard Young Forest Preserve September 14, 2013
Zigzag Goldenrod at Richard Young Forest Preserve September 14, 2013
Native Americans chewed the root of this plant for sore throats, and an infusion of the whole plant was used for certain fevers. Reminder: see our Do Not Disturb Notice.
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