Flower ID: IMG_2086.JPG-10-08-2017 Flower name (scientific): Solidago flexicaulis Linnaeus PY: 1753. Pronunciation guide: (phonetic spelling) so-li-DAY-go (or sol-id-A-go) fleks-ic-CAU-lis Flower name (common): Zigzag Goldenrod Family name (common): Aster Family name (scientific): Asteraceae Scientific name origin: Genus: From the Latin solido, to make whole or heal, to strengthen, referring to the assumed medicinal properties of the plant. A name used by Otto Brunfels (1488/89 – 1534) for its use as a medicine. Specific epithet: From the Latin flexilis, for pliant, flexible, and caulis, for the stalk or stem of a plant, hence, having a pliant stem. Common name origin: From the often appearing zig-zag between the alternately attached leaves. From the Latin virga for rod and aurea for golden, hence goldenrod, so named for the bright yellow flowers. Flower description: Size: 0.2 to 0.4 inches (0.5 to 1.0 cm) Petal count: 3, ray florets 1 to 5, disc florets 4 to 11. Color: Yellow Other: flower arrangement, Raceme Plant description: Erect Size: 8 to 48 inches (20 to 122 cm) Stem hairy: Other: Leaf description: attachment is alternate, type is simple Size: Basal and lower stem leaves up to 14 to 18 cm long and 6 to 8 cm wide. Mid-stem to upper cauline leaves up to 9 to 15 cm long and 3 to 5.5 cm wide. Color: Hairy: Other: Shape: leaf, (basal and proximal cauline) ovate, (mid to distal cauline) narrowly ovate to lanceolate (FNA) Origin (native, introduced, invasive): Native Status (common, uncommon, threatened, rare): Common Bloom time (typical): August to September Cycle (annual, biennial, perennial): Perennial Habitat: Woods, forests, shade or semi-shade, dry to moist to dry. Fruit: Seed: Importance to wildlife: Similar species (if any): The broad coarsely toothed leaves, the axillary racemes, the relatively few ray florets (typically 1 to 5) that are asymmetrically arranged, help in the identification of this species. The zig-zag arrangment of the stem, when present, can aid in making an ID. Ethnobotany: The Potawatomi prepared an infusion from the whole plant and used it to treat fevers (Smith, p. 49, 1933). In this reference Smith uses the old synonym name Solidago latifolia for this plant. The Menominee used the plant for headaches (Densmore, p. 129, 1932). The Chippewa utilized the plant for sore throat (Densmore, p. 342, 1928). The Iroquois used the plant as a remedy for biliousness (Moerman, p. 536, 1998). Latitude: 44.794443 Longitude: -91.495793 Altitude: 240.10 Distribution: In Wisconsin: (Adams, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Burnett, Calumet, Chippewa, Clark, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Door, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Florence, Fond du Lac, Forest, Grant, Green, Iowa, Iron, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Kewaunee, La Crosse, Lafayette, Langlade, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Menominee, Milwaukee, Monroe, Oconto, Oneida, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Racine, Richland, Rock, Rusk, Sauk, Sawyer, Shawano, Sheboygan, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Vernon, Vilas, Walworth, Washburn, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago, Wood) Click here for distribution map In US: (AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV) Click here for distribution map In Canada: (NB, NS, ON, PE, QC) Click here for distribution map References: Synonym(s): Basionym: na Homotypic Synonym(s): Heterotypic Synonym(s): Autonym: na Wetland Status (NC): FACU Wetland Status (MW): FACU