Pest identification
What's eating my zigzag goldenrod?
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on shoot tips; sticky honeydew; distorted new leaves in spring
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; a water jet dislodges colonies effectively
Slugs and snails
Signs: Irregular ragged holes in leaves and eaten-back new shoots, often with slime trails
Control: Apply iron phosphate slug pellets around plants; remove mulch near crowns to reduce daytime hiding spots
Goldenrod gall fly (Eurosta solidaginis)
Signs: Stem galls weakening individual shoots; lower incidence than on field goldenrods
Control: Prune out galls in late winter; dispose away from the garden
Keep zigzag goldenrod pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Zigzag Goldenrod pests — FAQ
What is eating my zigzag goldenrod?
Zigzag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis) grows in woodland edges and is somewhat less gall-prone than open-field goldenrods, but aphids and slug damage are common. Deer occasionally browse the distinctive zigzag stems in spring. Slugs and snails attack new growth in moist, shaded sites. Gall flies still occur but at lower intensity.
How do I get rid of aphids on zigzag goldenrod?
Colonies on shoot tips; sticky honeydew; distorted new leaves in spring Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; a water jet dislodges colonies effectively
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on zigzag goldenrod?
Irregular ragged holes in leaves and eaten-back new shoots, often with slime trails Apply iron phosphate slug pellets around plants; remove mulch near crowns to reduce daytime hiding spots
How do I get rid of goldenrod gall fly (eurosta solidaginis) on zigzag goldenrod?
Stem galls weakening individual shoots; lower incidence than on field goldenrods Prune out galls in late winter; dispose away from the garden