Photo of Zigzag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis)

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Zigzag goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis) is often seen as atypical among goldenrods in that it grows in shade, typically in forests, and its inflorescence shape is also different, blooming out of the upper leaf axils, not just a "rod" shape at the top of the stem. But there are actually numerous goldenrods that grow in forests, as well as others that have this axillary bloom pattern.