Plant of the Week By Sarracenia Chapter of FNPS Zigzag Silkgrass
Zigzag silkgrass (Pityopsis flexuosa) is a low-growing wildflower with bright yellow daisy-like flowers that attract bees and butterflies. This evergreen perennial has silvery grayish-green foliage with silky hairs. Also called zigzag goldenaster, its stems angle in opposite directions between nodes. The entire global range of this state-endangered endemic is limited to 6 Florida counties, with most plants in Wakulla and Leon Counties. Found in sandhills habitat, it prefers dry, sandy soil in full sun. Its survival is threatened by residential development, pine plantations, and fire exclusion. Often growing along roadsides, it is blooming now along Crawfordville Highway (319). One sizable roadside population was destroyed by fast food restaurant construction near Publix. Next year, the Sarracenia Chapter will rescue a large population threatened by a planned bike trail south of Ochlockonee Bay Bridge.