Canadian Goldenrod, Shorthair goldenrod, Harger's goldenrod, Rough Canada goldenrod, Common Goldenro

Solidago canadensis

Physical Characteristics

Solidago canadensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Ontario, south to Virginia. Naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil Tea Young leaves and flowering stems - cooked[172]. Seed[22, 46, 61, 105, 161, 183]. Used as a thickener in soups[172]. The seed is very small[K] and is only used as a survival food when all else fails[222]. A tea can be made from the flowers and/or the leaves[172, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Antiseptic Haemostatic Kidney Salve Styptic Urinary Haemostatic, styptic[168, 172]. The root is applied as a poultice to burns[168, 172, 222]. An infusion of the dried powdered herb can be used as an antiseptic[168, 172]. The blossoms are analgesic, astringent and febrifuge[257]. They have been chewed and the juice slowly swallowed to treat sore throats[213, 222]. A tea made from the flowers is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, body pains, fevers and snakebites[222, 257]. The plant contains quercitin, a compound that is reportedly useful in the treatment of haemorrhagic nephritis[222]. This plant is said to have similar medicinal properties to S. virgaurea. These are:- Goldenrod is a safe and gentle remedy for a number of disorders. In particular, it is a valuable astringent remedy treating wounds and bleeding, whilst it is particularly useful in the treatment of urinary tract disorders, being used both for serious ailments such as nephritis and for more common problems such as cystitis[254]. The plant contains saponins that are antifungal and act specifically against the Candida fungus which is the cause of vaginal and oral thrush[238, 254]. It also contains rutin which is used to treat capillary fragility, and phenolic glycosides which are anti-inflammatory[238]. The leaves and flowering tops are anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, mildly diuretic, febrifuge and stimulant[4, 7, 9, 21, 147, 165]. A good vulnerary herb, it has also proved of value when used internally in the treatment of urinary infections, chronic catarrh, skin diseases, influenza, whooping cough, bladder and kidney stones etc[4, 238]. Due to its mild action, goldenrod is used to treat gastro-enteritis in children[254]. It makes an excellent mouthwash in the treatment of thrush[7]. The plant is gathered in the summer and dried for later use[7]. The seed is anticoagulant, astringent and carminative[218]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[9]. It is used in the treatment of kidney and bladder disorders, rheumatism and arthritis[9]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Solidago canadensis for infections of the urinary tract, and kidney and bladder stones (see [302] for critics of commission E).

Known Hazards

Weak potential for sensitization. Irrigation therapy is contraindicated in cases of oedema due to renal or heart disease. Care needed with chronic kidney disease [301].