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Coarse, serrated, oval leaves support brilliant, yellow flowers which zigzag their way up the stems.
The common name is derived from the way the stems "zig-zag" from leaf to leaf.
Goldenrod (Solidago) is unfairly blamed for being the source of pollen or allergens which affect those who suffer from hay fever. Pollen from goldenrod is too heavy to travel by air whereas ragweed pollen, which is released close in time to that of solidago, is easily carried and is the true source of this discomfort.
Found in deciduous woods, along wooded stream banks, it thrives in three to four hours of sun or full shade. Will grow in dry soils, tolerating some drought, loamy, clay or rocky sites.