Fauna
Flower

Broad-leaved Goldenrod

Solidago flexicaulis

Also known as Zigzag Goldenrod, Broadleaf Goldenrod

Unlike sun-loving meadow goldenrods, broad-leaved goldenrod thrives in the dappled understory of mature deciduous woodlands. The central stem distinctly zigzags between nodes holding broad, coarsely toothed leaves that taper sharply at both ends. Clusters of vivid yellow flower heads bloom in the upper leaf axils from late summer through mid-autumn, offering a critical late-season nectar reserve for native bees and hoverflies.

WoodlandWildflowerLate Bloomer
Broad-leaved Goldenrod reference1 / 7
(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
  • White-tailed Deer
  • Goldenrod Leaf Miner
  • Trirhabda Leaf Beetle
ThreatsCanopy loss from clear-cutting, invasive forest plants, and heavy deer browsing
HabitatsMesic upland deciduous forests, rocky woodlands, and moist floodplain terraces
Life spanPerennial (indefinite via rhizomatous spread)
Classification
  1. OrderAsterales
  2. FamilyAsteraceae
  3. GenusSolidago
  4. SpeciesSolidago flexicaulis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Identification: Notice the stem visibly bending at each leaf node to distinguish it from other woodland goldenrods.
  • Native Gardening: Plant in shady borders or woodland gardens to supply essential autumn forage for pollinators.
Related species
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