Photo: JoJanPublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons
Zigzag Goldenrod Plant Care
Solidago flexicaulis L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Solidago flexicaulis, the broadleaved goldenrod, or zigzag goldenrod, is a North American species of herbaceous perennial plants in the family Asteraceae. It is native to the eastern and central parts of the United States and Canada, from Nova Scotia west to Ontario and the Dakotas, and south as far as Alabama and Louisiana. It grows in a variety of habitats including mesic upland forests, well drained floodplain forests, seepage swamp hummocks, and rocky woodlands.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Zigzag Goldenrod?
Water Zigzag Goldenrod every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Zigzag Goldenrod Native To?
What Is the Zigzag Goldenrod?
Zigzag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Solidago genus. Zigzag Goldenrod is native to the eastern and central parts of the United States and Canada, from Nova Scotia west to Ontario and the Dakotas, and south as far as Alabama and Louisiana. Zigzag Goldenrod is also known as Broadleaf Goldenrod, Woodland Goldenrod, Aster latifolius.
Zigzag Goldenrod displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Zigzag Goldenrod produces small, yellow, daisy-like flowers in dense clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Zigzag Goldenrod?
Solidago flexicaulis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Zigzag Goldenrod Need?
Zigzag Goldenrod thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Zigzag Goldenrod Prefer?
Solidago flexicaulis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Zigzag Goldenrod prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Zigzag Goldenrod?
Well-draining, fertile soil with a mix of sand and organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Zigzag Goldenrod to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Zigzag Goldenrod?
Feed Zigzag Goldenrod every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Zigzag Goldenrod?
Divide and repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Zigzag Goldenrod?
Zigzag Goldenrod can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to argentine goldenrod plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Zigzag Goldenrod Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Zigzag Goldenrod, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Zigzag Goldenrod?
Zigzag Goldenrod is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Zigzag Goldenrod Need?
Zigzag Goldenrod grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Zigzag Goldenrod is native to the eastern and central parts of the United States and Canada, from Nova Scotia west to Ontario and the Dakotas, and south as far as Alabama and Louisiana. In cooler regions, grow Zigzag Goldenrod as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Zigzag Goldenrod is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Solidago genus — compare its care with other Solidago species on PlantoScan.
Solidago is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Zigzag Goldenrod thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Solidago Species
Other Solidago species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Solidago flexicaulis L., family Asteraceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 879 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Zigzag Goldenrod, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: JoJan, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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