Zig-zag goldenrod, a late performer

On Tuesday, Kathie and I collected quite a bit of zig-zag goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis), an interesting woodland/savanna species. This is one of the latest blooming species of goldenrod, and its seeds are just now ready to collect. Strange that it is also one of the earliest goldenrods to appear in the spring. It remains a low, vegetative plant all summer and does not begin to flower until late August/early September.

Although the leaves of most plant species turn brown at the time they are setting seed, the leaves of zig-zag goldenrod remain quite green. This makes it easy to spot a patch in the woods.

In contrast to most goldenrods, the flowers of zig-zag goldenrod are formed in the axils of the leaves, where they remain relatively inconspicuous. Of course, the seeds also form in the axils of the leaves, making collecting them a bit of a challenge.

You can hand-strip the seeds off the stems, or you can cut the top parts of the plants and strip them later. Either way, you end up with quite a few green leaves mixed in with the seeds. The leaves complicate the drying process, and it is best to pluck off the leaves before laying the collection out to dry.

According to Curtis (Vegetation of Wisconsin), zig-zag goldenrod is modal (most frequent) in southern mesic forests. He doesn't mention its presence in oak openings, although at Pleasant Valley Conservancy it has done quite well in the shadier parts of our savannas.