Description

Goldenrod – solidago canadensis

The goldenrod is a perennial herb that grows up to 1.5m tall. It can be found in moist locations including forests, fields and roadsides. The goldenrod can be identified by their long, narrow leaves, tapering at the base, with a hairy underside. The yellow flowers are bunched in a narrow, pyramid shape and can reach up to 40cm high, blooming in mid-July to September. Its small, dense flower heads are pollinated by nectar bees and nectar butterflies and attract a variety of birds.

All parts that grow above ground are edible and can be used on salads or dried to make tea. Used medicinally as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory, as well as a host of other uses.

Height: 0.5-1.5m

Edible: Y

Medicine: Y

Other Uses: N

Poisonous: N

Soil: Sandy, clay

Watering: Dry to moist

Sun: Partial to full sun

Usually found at: Fields and distrubed areas

Pollinators & wildlife: Pollinated by bees and butterflies. Attracts birds

Ornamental: Ornamental bloom with showy yellow flowers

Leaves:  Alternate, stalkless, dense. Blade is narrowly elliptic with a tapering base. Upper side is somewhat smooth and glossy, the underside is short-haired.

Flowers: Yellow flowers, up to 1 cm wide, are bunched in a narrow, pyramid shape with lower inflorescence branches curving.

Berries: None

First Nations uses:

 

Note: Native plant sales are pick-up only at Suwa’lkh School (1432 Brunette Ave in Coquitlam). Email suwa’lkh@freshroots.ca for more information.