Solidago
Compositae

DESCRIPTION : There are many varieties.

Although the goldenrods are a taxonomic challenge, a few species are easily learned because of special characteristics:

1. Sweet goldenrod S. odora is found in dry woodlands and under power lines. The leaves smell like anise when crushed. It was used an an astringent in dysentery and ulceration of the intestines. The seeds have been used as a diuretic for infants, as a local application in headache, and for flatulence and vomiting.

Anise-scented goldenrod, Blue-mountain Tea, Bohea-Tea, Fragrant Goldenrod, Sweet -Scented goldenrod, True goldenrod, woundweed are some of the common names of this variety of Solidago.

2. Seaside goldenrod S. sempervirens grows near the coast, on beaches, on sea rocks, and in brackish marshes. It has succulent leaves.

3. S. bicolor grows in dry woodlands. It is the only goldenrod with white ray flowers.

Common names include Belly-ache-weed, Pale goldenrod, Silverweed, Silver-rod, White Goldenrod

1705 in the Carolinas, " The indians of these parts use sweating very much. If any pain seize their limbs or body, immediately they take reeds, or small wands, and bend them umbrella fashion, covering them with skins and matchcoats: They have a large fire not far off, where they heat stones, or (where they are wanting) bard, putting it into this stove, which casts an extraordinary heat : there is a pot of water ...in which a bunch of the herb, bearing a silver tassle... With this vegetable they rub the head, temples, and other parts, which is reckon'd a preserver of sight and strengthener of the brain." Lawson,1709.

4. Zigzag stemmed goldenrod S. flexicaulis grows in woodlands. Its stems zigzag between broad, sharply toothed leaves.

5. Blue stemmed goldenrod S. caesia also grows in woodlands but has straight stems with a purple blue color, growing almost horizontally

John Bartram called it "virga-aurea". It was famous for rattle snake bites.

6. Canada goldenrod S. canadensis is easy to identify it it has crown gall, a stunting of the stem and a proliferation of leaves at the stem apex. The gall, found only in this species, is caused by a midge larva.

CULTIVATION : Goldenrod likes full sun or partial shade, in any type of soil. Solidago speciosa zones 3-10, Solidago virgaurea zones 4-10

PARTS OF THE PLANT USED : The leaves and tops.

HARVESTING AND STORAGE : Collect the plant when it is flowering. Dry it carefully. Spread out to dry soon after harvesting as it will turn black and musty quickly.

PLANT ANALYSIS : Solidago contains tannin,

MEDICINAL USES : A poisonous fungus often grows on these plants, be careful when harvesting. Three species in particular, S. nemoralis, S. odora, and S. virgaurea are used medicinally. Modern science has no evidence that goldenrod is effective for anything.

Goldenrod mixes well with unpleasant medicinal tasting herbs to improve the flavor.

The dried leaves and flowers of Goldenrod have been used in a tincture for albuminuria, calculus, croup, dysuria, eruptions, gout, leucorrhea, ophthalmia, phosphaturia, enlarged prostate, rheumatism, sciatica, scanty and or suppressed urine.

The flowers and leaves have long been used in Bello-Russia as a tea for diarrhea, inflammation of the bladder and amenorrhea.

Powdered flowers of Solidago have a reputation for treating slow healing wounds.

MEDICINAL ACTION : Aromatic, carminative, stimulant, astringent, diaphoretic.

DOSAGE : 1 teaspoon of leaves to 1 cup of boiling water.

MAGICKAL USES : Any spells and/or rituals for money. Any divination rituals.

History : The name Solidago, from the Latin solida "whole" and ago meaning "to make", means to make whole, to heal.

S. altissima, Tall Goldenrod roots were applied a a poultice to boils and burns.

The Chippewas used Solidago flexicaulis (zigzag stemmed goldenrod) for sores in the mouth, and Solidage speciosa var. angustata showy goldenrod for lung trouble and difficult labor. S. juncea, Early Goldenrod, was taken for convulsions. S. rigida, Stiff Goldenrod, was believed to increase urine flow.

Native Americans used the solution from boiled leaves as an external lotion for wounds and ulcers. It was also used to heal the saddle sores of horses.

The Spanish Americans used the fresh plant mixed with soap for a plaster to wrap on sore throats.

After the Boston Tea Party, when tea was boycotted in the colonies, a pleasant and relaxing "Liberty Tea" was mixed which included Sweet Goldenrod as a principal ingredient.

LORE : Colonial Americans drank goldenrod tea as a cure for unbelief and melancholy.

Carry the plant with you and you will find treasure, the flower nods in the direction of lost or hidden objects or buried treasure

If you would like to see your future love, wear a piece of goldenrod. He or she will appear by the next day.

If you find goldenrod springing up suddenly near the door of your home, unexpected good fortune will soon be yours.

Find a patch of goldenrod and you will also have found a hidden spring of water below.

HAY FEVER, ALLERGIES :

Goldenrod pollen has been blamed unjustly for causing hay fever, but plants that cause hay fever are wind pollinated.. Goldenrod is insect pollinated. The true enemies of hay fever sufferers are the ragweeds, which also belong to the aster family. Both flower at the same time. The flowers of ragweeds are not as showy.