Goldenrod 

Goldenrod, Solidago spp., our native Texas species being, Solidago altissima, Solidago canadenisis and Solidago nemoralis, are the tall, yellow wildflowers seen on roadsides, in fields and in native gardens this time every fall. I look forward to viewing the large clusters of Goldenrods as I drive down the road, knowing that fall is here and cooler weather will be returning soon.

I received my first Goldenrod transplant from my friend Cindy, who potted up about three of hers to transfer to my garden.  At the time we were getting ready to move so I just kept them in their containers, nearly forgetting about them.  We moved to our present location and I still kept the Goldenrod in the pots, giving them some water but not much other attention. After quite awhile, I finally planted them in my back garden and they have incredibly multiplied and claimed a large area for themselves.  I love my Goldenrod and use it for various medicinal purposes.  It is also lovely in a flower arrangement, both fresh and as a dried flower.  It is so easy to grow and is so beautiful.  I recommend it for everyone’s garden.  Just know it needs its own area.

Solidago often gets mistakenly blamed for the suffering of hay fever victims.  It blooms at the same time as ragweed, the true culprit.  It seems that folks look around for a flower to blame and since Goldenrod blooms prolifically, she gets the bad rap!

I have made tea from the flowers of Goldenrod and it is delicious and healing.  Goldenrod acts as a safe and effective diuretic. It is also beneficial in treating kidney inflammation, and is used to prevent the formation, and facilitates the elimination of kidney stones. It is also quite helpful as a respiratory herb, particularly mixed in a formula with other herbs for lung congestion. Another lesser known use, but documented use by the Commission E, (the botanical medicine experts that advise the German government about herbs), approves the use of Goldenrod for treating various uro-genital disorders, including yeast infections.

The Latin name Solidago means “to make whole” and refers to its many uses by the indigenous people.  Native Americans drank the tea for digestive ailments and used the flowers for a yellow dye.

Remember to admire and think highly of this wonderful herb as you drive the highways around the country this fall.  Solidago appears everywhere and is ready to provide us with its abundant uses.