Sweet Goldenrod

Order: Asterales

Family: Asteraceae

Genus: Solidago

Species: S. odora

Identifying Characteristics:

- Leaves: narrowly lance-shaped, 2-4" long, and usually anise-scented when bruised, although some plants have no odor

- Flower rays: 3-4, 2-4" high

- Flowers: yellow, curved, one-sided clusters, together forming a large terminal cluster

Special Adaptations:

-About 100 perennial species make up the genus Solidago, most being found in the meadows and pastures, along roads, ditches and waste areas in North America.

-Probably due to their bright, golden yellow flower heads in late summer, the goldenrod is often unfairly blamed for causinghay fever in humans. The pollen causing these allergy problems is mainly produced by Ragweed(Ambrosia sp.), blooming at the same time as the goldenrod, but is wind-pollinated.

-Parts of some goldenrods can be edible when cooked. Goldenrod is also used as a food plant by thelarvae of various Lepidopteraspecies (see list of Lepidoptera that feed on goldenrods).

-Goldenrods are mostly short-day plants and bloom in late summer and early fall and some species produce abundant nectar when moisture is plentiful before bloom, and the bloom period is relatively warm and sunny.

-Honey from goldenrods often is dark and strong due to admixtures of other nectars. However when there is a strong honey flow, a light (often water white), spicy-tasting honeyis produced. While the bees are ripening the honey there is a rank odor and taste, but finished honey is much milder.

-The variety Solidago virgaurea is used as a traditional kidney tonic.