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.

Here you can see one spot on the stem where it zigged a little.

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

Not so “in-your-face” as its field-growing cousins, shade-loving zig-zag goldenrod has a quiet beauty.

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.

This is the view the bench will have, once I’ve cleared some brush. This photo was taken in winter, but you get the idea.

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.

from Cold Climate Gardening https://ift.tt/2zxAxXA