Zigzag goldenrod, Solidago flexicaulis
 
Zigzag goldenrod is a beautiful, dense plant that will attract pollinators even in the shade. Naturally found in woods and on slopes, it spreads by underground rhizomes and can be used as a native groundcover.
 
Ecology:
Zigzag goldenrod even attracts bees, butterflies, wasps, skippers, beetles and flies in the shade with its rich pollen and nectar.  It is an important late-season nectar plant for next year's bumblebee queens to build fat reserves to overwinter.
As with all goldenrods, it supports an unsurpassed number of pollen specialist bees with its rich, big, sticky pollen. One-third of Ontario's bees rely on a very specific plant or plant family to collect specific pollen to provision their nests so their future larvae can feed on it and produce the next generation.
Goldenrod is also unsurpassed in providing food for the caterpillars as a host plant of over 100 moth species. This is important because they are the non-negociable food source for breeding birds. Caterpillars are the very reason birds migrate to Canada in the first place.
So, make room for some goldenrod in your garden. Zigzag goldenrod makes it easy to find a spot since it is a versatile, hardy plant. Stiff goldenrod and upland white goldenrod are non spreading goldenrods for the sun and blue-stem goldenrod and zigzag goldenrod are ideal for more shaded areas. Be careful not to plant prolific rhizomatous species like Canada goldenrod; they will take over small spaces quickly.
 
Growing conditions:
Zigzag goldenrod is found on forest edges and in deciduous forests. It can bloom in full shade but blooms better in partial or dappled shade or even almost full sun. It is clumping and spreads slowly and can be used as a woodland groundcover. It is also very adaptable to any moisture.