A vigorous hardy perennial, growing to 1 m (3 ft.) in height. It has branched stems, lance late, finely toothed leaves and terminal panicles of golden-yellow flowers in late summer. It is an invasive plant and spreads very rapidly.
History and traditions
Most of the nearly 100 species of Solidago came from North America, where a number of them were used in the traditional Native American medicine for healing wounds, sores, insect bites and stings. In the 17th century the dried herb was imported and sold on the London market for high prices as an exotic cure-all, until one day someone noticed golden rod growing wild on Hampstead Heath in London and the bottom dropped out of the market. As Thomas, Fuller put it in his History of the Worthies of England, 1662, “When golden rod was brought at great expense from foreign countries, it was highly valued; but it was no sooner discovered to be a native plant, than it was discarded.” However, by the19th century it was firmly established as a popular ornamental in Britain, causing William Cobbett to complain in The American Gardener, 1816, “A yellow flower called the ‘Plain-weed’, which is the torment of the neighboring farmer, has been above all the plants in this world, chosen as the most conspicuous ornament of the front of the King of England’s grandest palace, that of Hampton Court.”
Related species
Solidago canadensis, native to Canada and North America, is a taller plant, growing to 1.5 m (5 ft.), often seen in gardens, and also has medicinal properties. Most garden varieties of golden rod are hybrids.
Habitat/distribution
Solidago virgaurea is the only native European species, and is found in woodland and grassland on acid and calcareous (alkaline) soils. Many closely-related species are native to North America.
Growth
Prefers not too rich soil and an open, sunny position. Propagated by seed sown in spring, or by division in spring and autumn.
Parts used
Leaves, flowering tops dried for use in infusions, powders, ointments and other medicinal preparations.
Uses
Medicinal
Golden rod has antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It is applied externally in lotions, ointments and poultices to help heal wounds, skin irritations, bites, stings and ulcers. Infusions are taken internally for urinary infections and chronic skin problems and to make gargles for sore throats.
