Zig-Zag Goldenrod

I‘ve lived on this land almost seven years now, and I’m still discovering native plants growing wild here. This month’s find was zig-zag goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis). Sometimes–but not always–the stem zigs and zags as it grows.

There are lots of different goldenrods, but according to Minnesota Wildflowers, it’s pretty easy to identify zig-zag goldenrod.

• woodland habitat
• broad, coarsely toothed leaves
• erect flower clusters
• blooms from late summer to fall

I discovered this patch on a spit of land where I plan to place a bench so it has a view of the back creek.I usually don’t visit this area in fall–I’m too busy gawking at colchicums. It’s encouraging to see the diversity of native plants we still have, despite the encroaching invasives. Finding zig-zag goldenrod reminds me that every season has its own beauty.

Posted for Wildflower Wednesday, created by Gail of Clay and Limestone, to share wildflowers/native plants no matter where you garden.