What is Goldenrod?
Goldenrod is an umbrella term for a large number of plants in the genus Solidago, which all have characteristic sprays of golden flowers in various configurations. In addition, all have toothed to irregularly oval shaped leaves. While goldenrod grows wild as a weed all over the northern hemisphere, it is also planted as an ornamental, and is used in many gardens to create bright blocks of golden color in the fall, when goldenrod blooms. With a wide assortment of goldenrods to choose from, gardeners can pick the best plants for their gardens.
When growing goldenrod, check to see how high the variety you have selected will grow. Some have been known to reach heights of seven feet (2.1 meters), and will spread out quite a bit if given a chance. Other kinds of goldenrod are more compact, suitable to smaller gardens which cannot sustain giant plants. Whichever variety of goldenrod is planted, plant it in the sun in well drained soil, keeping it well watered, especially in the summer when soil tends to dry out. Cut the goldenrod back when it gets ragged or you want to dry the flowers, and separate the roots every other year to prevent them from clumping.
There are two basic forms for goldenrod: lacy sprays of delicate yellow flowers and large clusters of disc shaped flowers. Both can be used to make a block of color in the garden or for individual splashes of color in a fall garden, and have rich neutral green foliage when they are not blooming in the summer. Goldenrod has also been shown to repel some garden pests and weeds, and contrary to popular belief, it does not cause hay fever, although it blooms at the same time as other plants known to cause allergic reactions. When planting goldenrod in the garden as an accent plant, be aware that it can be very invasive and determined, so try to keep it away from delicate plants and keep an eye on the goldenrod, stopping it before it takes over.
Both fresh and dried bouquets can be brightened with goldenrod, especially the lacy varieties. When selected goldenrod for bouquets, cut large, well formed specimens which can be trimmed if necessary. If drying the goldenrod, hang it upside down in a cool dry place, and store it carefully so that the flowers do not break off. Goldenrod can also be used medicinally: Native Americans made tea out of goldenrod for sore throat and fatigue, and some Europeans use goldenrod for urinary tract infections and to flush the kidneys.
Written by S.E. Smith
