Most people, I suspect, think of Goldenrod as a big, rangy plant. Canada Goldenrod (S. canadensis), is probably considered by many to be the typical Goldenrod. People imagine it running rampant over open fields with 6′ stems and mopheads of yellow flowers. In our garden, however, we have mainly little Goldenrods, growing not much more than 3′.
First there’s Bluestem Goldenrod (S. caesia), with arching purplish stems featuring clusters of flowers held along the stem like little yellow bouquets. Bluestem Goldenrod does not run at the root, though it will self-sow a fair amount.
Then there’s Zigzag Goldenrod (S. flexicaulus). For us it grows over 3′ and tends to lean but not flop. I’ve tried cutting it back but that doesn’t seem to make much difference, so these days I leave it alone. Flowers bloom in alternating bursts most of the way up the stems.
Zigzag Goldenrod can spread aggressively by rhizome, so it is best suited to an informal woodland garden.
Both of these Goldenrods are shade tolerant and fairly adaptable. Pollinators, especially bumblebees, love these more compact wild Goldenrods just as much they love the taller members of the genus.
You don’t need sunny, open spaces and room for 6′ plants in order to provide the pollinators in your garden with the benefits of Goldenrod. These two modestly-sized Goldenrods are a good fit for a variety of garden settings.
gardeninacity 
Zigzag goldenrod might be my favorite of the Genus Solidago.
For me I think it is Bluestem.
We have several goldenrods, but I’ve not encountered these. As it happens, the blue-stemmed is listed for east Texas — particularly, the Big Thicket, where I like to roam. I’ll keep my eyes open for it now. Its shorter stature should make it easy to distinguish from the others.
Also can make it easier to use in the garden.
I will be putting them on my list. Love the purple and yellow.
Me too!
I’m not sure which variety I have in my garden, but it is quite short and doesn’t run everywhere. Love your photos where it is joined with the asters, lovely combination.
I think so, too!
They certainly bring a light, airy look to the garden, especially in combination with the asters. Of course, I am drawn to that bright white in the midst of the zig-zags — very nice!
Oh, that was a little pot of Beacon Impatiens!
It is well named!
Beautiful xx
Isn’t that purple-yellow combination striking? Love it.
It’s gorgeous.
Beautiful combination of flowers/colors. Great shots!
Thanks, Tina!
Hello Jason, I’m glad I saw this as, “best suited to an informal woodland garden” matches exactly the border that I have (and need to fill). It has a very “frothy” look about it so would look great paired with something that has a strong shape or definition. The ideas are starting to roll in.
That’s the fun of gardening!
Lovely choices of Solidago for your garden, and lovely pictures of them. A friend and neighbor just discovered that she had the S. flexicaulis growing under some native shrubs in her garden and we had to go to the field guide to ID it~it isn’t one I typically see in the forest preserves I haunt. What a nice find! I believe it is a C=7 plant~pretty high quality.
That’s good to know.
They are lovely, I love the yellow and blue together.xxx
So do I!
It is nice to hear about other sorts of Goldenrod. We only usually see Solidago canadensis which grows wild here, but I have planted our native one S. virgaurea in my garden and it is so small it is hardly noticeable! I am hoping it will grow a bit more next year! I suspect your garden is more attractive with some dappled shade and moister ground. Love that combination with the aster. 😃
Never heard of S. virgaurea – sounds interesting.
A lot shorter than most of the others I have seen, but very pretty.
I like the first one, especially so with the blue asters. It reminds me of one called Fireworks, although yours looks to be more mannerly.
It has a simpler habit than ‘Fireworks’, with the arching stems.
Yes, I have some of the big goldenrods and I have been eyeing the zig zag because I have seen it grow where it is fairly shady. Always a plus in my garden. Beautiful photos that really render autumn.
Thanks. Just know that the zigzag will spread.
I’ve seen zig zag goldenrod just once in nature and I don’t see blue stem that often, so I think both must be on the rare side here.
Not sure I’ve seen either in the wild.
The shorter varieties are not ones I’ve tried, but they sure look pretty in your garden! The only one I grow is S. Rugosa, “fireworks”, which is 3-4′ and grows in moderately mannerly clump. It’s in part shade. I just love it’s form. Whatever their form, they all say Fall in such a lovely way. They’re gorgeous with the purple asters!
Totally agree!
I love the combination of goldenrods and aster. I only have S. rugosa “Fireworks” — love it, along with aromatic aster.
It’s beautiful right now, along with the Vernonia and Verbena in flower.
Aromatic Aster is a favorite of mine, as well.
I think the goldenrods look lovely with the asters. They must attract so many pollinators like that. Thank you for your photographs as I have now been able to identify wild European Goldenrod that grows near me! Amelia
They are definitely pollinator magnets.
I was so pleased to find out about the native goldenrod here. Did you tell me about it? I know it is not as pretty as the others, but it is one that I could grow if I want to, without worrying about it escaping into the wild.
Wasn’t me, but sounds interesting.
Well . . . it is not much to look at. I just like it because I would not worry about it naturalizing were it is already native.