Goldenrod herb and Goldenrod tea

This plant is widely distributed throughout Europe including the British Isles, and North America. It is common from the plains to the hills, but especially where the ground is rich in silica. Its generic name, Solidago, is derived from the Latin word 'solido', which means 'to join' or 'make whole', a reference to the healing properties attributed to goldenrod. The plant, originally called Heathen Wound Herb in Britain, was first imported from the Middle East, where it was used by the Saracens, and it was some time before it was cultivated here. In Tudor times it was available in London but at a price, its expense due to the fact that it was still available only as an import. Gerard wrote, 'For in my remembrance, I have known the dry herb which comes from beyond the sea, sold in Bucklesbury in London for half a crown an ounce,' and went on to say that when it was found growing wild in Hampstead wood, no-one would pay half a crown for l00cwt of it, a fact which the herbalist felt bore out the old English proverb, 'Far fetch and dear, bought is best for ladies.' From Culpeper, around the   same time, we know that goldenrod was used to fasten loose teeth and as a remedy for kidney stones (which it still is).

Species

Solidago odora

Sweet

Goldenrod Also known as Aniseed-Scented Goldenrod, Blue Mountain Tea, Common Goldenrod and Wound weed. Perennial. Hi 60cm-1.2m (2-4ft), spread 60cm (2ft). Golden-yellow flowers on a single stem from midsummer to autumn. The green leaf is linear and lance-shaped.

Solidago nemoralis

Grey Goldenrod

Also known as Dyer's Weed, Field Goldenrod and Yellow Goldenrod. Perennial. Ht 60cm-1m (2-3ft), spread 60cm (2ft). Yellow flowers on large terminals on 1 side of the panicle. Leaves grayish green or olive-green.

Solidago virgaurea

Goldenrod

Also known as European Goldenrod. Perennial Ht 30-60cm (12-24in) spread 60cm (2ft). Small yellow flowers from summer to autumn. The green leaves are lance-shaped.

Solidago 'Goldenmosa'

Golden mimosa

Perennial. Ht 1m (3ft) spread 60cm (2ft). Sprays of mimosa-like yellow flowers from summer to autumn. Lance-shaped green leaves. Attractive border plant. Has no herbal use.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seeds

Sow in plug or seed trays in spring. As seed is line, sow on the surface and cover with Perlite. Germination within 14-21 days without bottom heat. Prick out, harden off, and plant out into prepared site in the garden at a distance of 45cm (18in). Remember, the plant will spread.

Division

Divide established plants in spring or autumn. Dig up the plant, split into required size, hall, third, etc., and replant in a prepared site in the garden.

Pests and Diseases

This plant rarely suffers from pests or diseases.

Maintenance

Spring: Sow seeds.

Summer: Enjoy the flowers. If you have rich soil, the plants may become very tall and need support in exposed sites.

Autumn: Divide mature plants.

Winter: No need for protection.

Garden cultivation

It is an attractive plant and has been taken into cultivation as a useful late flowering ornamental. It is ideal for the herbaceous border, as it spreads rapidly to form clumps. In late summer, sprays of bright yellow flowers crowd its branching stems amongst sharply pointed hoary leaves. When planting in the garden, it prefers open conditions and soils that are not too rich and are well drained. It tolerates sun, semi-shade and shade, and being a wild plant it can be naturalized in poor grassland. Sow seed thinly in spring or autumn in the chosen flowering position, having prepared the site, and cover lightly with soil. When the seedlings are large enough, thin to 30cm (12in) distance apart. (The plant will spread and you may have to do a second thinning.) If sown in the autumn, the young plants may in very cold temperatures need added protection. Use mulch that they can grow through the following spring, or which can be removed.

Harvest

Collect the flowering tops and leaves in summer. Dry for medicinal use.

Medicinal

Goldenrod is used in cases of urinary and kidney infections and stones, and catarrh. It also helps to ease backache caused by renal conditions because of its cleansing, eliminative action. It is used to treat arthritis. A cold compress is helpful on fresh wounds because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Sweet goldenrod is used as an astringent and as a calmative. The tea made from the dried leaves and flowers is an aromatic beverage and can be used to improve the taste of other medicinal preparations. Native Americans applied lotions made from goldenrod flowers to bee stings.

Container growing

Golden Rod can be grown in containers, but being a tall plant, it looks much more attractive in a garden border. Use the bark, peat, grit mix of compost and in the summer only gives it liquid fertilizer and water regularly. In winter, as the plant dies back, place the container in a cool airy place protected from frost, but not warm. Keep the compost on the dry side.