Solidago flexicaulis

Notable for its brilliant yellow flowers. A woodland goldenrod with finely-serrated oval leaves and spikes of golden flowers.  The stem can zig-zag, hence the common name, but can also be nearly straight. It is a great plant for adding color to the late-season shade garden. Spreads easily to form an attractive patch through rhizomes and seed. All goldenrods support a host of pollinator and insect activity, and this goldenrod is no exception. A couple of interesting and beautiful moths—the wavy-lined emerald (Synchlora aerata) and green leuconycta (Leuconycta diphteroides) use this goldenrod as a larval host, as do numerous other smaller moths. It is typically found in a variety of hardwood forests, ravines, and slopes along brownwater creeks and rivers, and uniquely thrives in shadier areas. It is fairly common in the Mountains, mainly at middle and higher elevation but is adaptable to the Piedmont. Zigzag goldenrod would make a great addition to a dry or moist shady slope, where it will form a nice colony. Drought tolerant.