Goldenrod is an edible and medicinal wild plant that many of us take for granted, but learning how to identify and use this wonderful wild weed will give you a newfound appreciation for its natural beauty.
Goldenrod is one of those plants that it’s easy to take for granted, at least here in Vermont. Just about any field left to its own devices for a few years will quickly turn into a goldenrod meadow. It’ll pause there for a decade or two while the trees take over and the land returns to the forest, but a little brush hogging every few years will keep those waves of goldenrod forever.
Many land stewards do just that, keeping it as a meadow of goldenrod to feed the bees late in the summer and into early autumn. Goldenrod is a particularly good bee forage, especially in the late season when most other wildflowers have passed.
Its bright golden blooms are often confused with other weeds with yellow flowers, namely ragweed, a common allergen, but true goldenrod is actually anti-allergenic, and believe it or not, it’s used as a treatment for seasonal allergies. Learning how to identify, use and appreciate this edible and medicinal wildflower will give you a deeper appreciation for those golden fields off in the distance.
What is Goldenrod?
Goldenrod (Solidago sp.) is a genus of about 120 species of herbaceous, flowering, perennial plants in the Asteraceae or Aster family. Goldenrod may also be called Aaron’s Rod, Woundwort, or several other names in non-English speaking countries.
Most Goldenrod species are native to North America, including Mexico. However, a few species are native to South America and Eurasia. Some Goldenrod species have also been introduced to Europe and other parts of the world.
Goldenrod is sometimes grown as an ornamental, and a few domesticated cultivars are available today.
Is Goldenrod Edible?
Goldenrod is edible but may not be the tastiest wild edible. While the entire plant is safe for consumption, foragers generally harvest the young leaves, shoots, and flowers for culinary uses. Herbalists also harvest goldenrod as a medicinal herb, and it’s safe to use internally and externally. They may use the entire plant in herbal preparations, including the leaves, stems, flowers, and roots.
Unfortunately, Goldenrod is often blamed for seasonal allergies. However, most folks are actually allergic to ragweed, a much less conspicuous plant that flowers at about the same time. That said, some individuals may experience mild contact dermatitis or rash from handling Goldenrod.
Goldenrod sometimes grows on roadsides and waste places. Avoid harvesting it from these places and other areas where car exhaust, pesticides, or other chemicals may contaminate it.
Goldenrod is toxic to horses, sheep, cattle, and goats.
Goldenrod Medicinal Benefits
Goldenrod may have diuretic, expectorant, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, antifungal, antiseptic, and carminative properties. In traditional medicine, herbalists often employ Goldenrod to help treat inflammation, urinary issues, asthma, allergies, sinus problems, skin irritations, and cardiovascular problems.
Modern research has often focused on Goldenrod’s use in treating urinary issues. A 2017 study looking at traditional herbs for UTIs found that infusions with high concentrations of Goldenrod help ease the symptoms of UTIs. A previous study completed in 2004 also showed that Goldenrod extract may help with overactive bladder. Today, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recognized Goldenrod as potentially helpful in treating mild urinary conditions.
Scientists have also examined some of Goldenrod’s anti-inflammatory properties. One 2019 study found that Goldenrod had significant anti-inflammatory properties and indicated that it has potential for therapeutic use in treating inflammation and pain-related disorders. Another study found that Phytodolor, an herbal tincture containing Poplar (Populus tremula L.), Ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea L.) may be as effective as aspirin at reducing pain associated with arthritis.
Modern research has also verified Goldenrod’s traditional usage in treating heart disorders. A 2013 study found that a European Goldenrod (S. virgaurea) extract acted as a cardioprotective agent in rats. The rats that were given the Goldenrod extract suffered less damage from an induced heart injury.
Where to Find Goldenrod
The majority of Goldenrod species are native to North America, but there are a few species native to Eurasia and South America. Some species have naturalized in areas outside their native range, including China, Japan, parts of Europe, and Africa. In Germany, it is considered an invasive species.
Goldenrod is a tough plant that will tolerate a range of soil conditions. It will grow in sandy, rocky, and heavy clay soils so long as it is well-drained and has a neutral to acidic pH. While Goldenrod will tolerate partial shade, it thrives and blooms best in full sun.
As it’s not picky, you may spot Goldenrod in various open habitats. You may find Goldenrod in meadows, pastures, fields, wetlands, floodplains, ditches, riverbanks, woodland openings and edges, roadsides, and waste areas.
When to Find Goldenrod
Goldenrod is a perennial, but it does die back in the winter. The shoots appear in spring or early summer. Depending on your climate, you may spot Goldenrod beginning flowering in mid to late summer. It continues blooming until frost, often in September or October depending on your location.
Identifying Goldenrod
As there are many species of Goldenrod, their appearance is diverse. They can range in height from as small as 2 inches to almost 3.5 feet. They typically stand erect with narrow, simple leaves.
Goldenrod is easiest to identify when it’s in flower. Goldenrod species have inflorescences featuring many yellow or occasionally white tiny sunflower or daisy-like flowers.
Mature Goldenrod will spread by seed and via underground rhizomes. This means you’ll often see Goldenrod in patches.
Goldenrod Leaves
Goldenrod has simple, alternate green leaves that are typically 1 to 10 inches long. They are narrow at the base and taper to a point at the tip. They are generally stalkless and clasp directly onto the stem.
The leaves may have smooth or serrated edges and may be hairy or smooth, depending on the species. Some species may have scented leaves.
Often, Goldenrod species are affected by leaf, spot, rust, or powdery mildew. You may see evidence of these diseases on the leaves, especially late in the season.
Goldenrod Stems
Goldenrod stems are typically tough and woody and may be as short as two inches or as tall as 3.5 feet. Depending on the species, they may be smooth or hairy and vary in color from green to brownish, reddish, purplish, or bluish, sometimes with a whitish bloom.
The stems are often completely unbranched or may have a few branches near the top.
Goldenrod Flowers
Goldenrod flowers typically form in long, rod or wand-like inflorescence at the top of the stem that can be 2 to 16 inches wide. The inflorescene is made of many small branches coming off the main stem, and the upperside is covered in flowers.
As their name suggests, the flowers are usually a golden-yellow color but may also be white. The flowers themselves are densely packed and look a bit like mini sunflowers or daisies. Each flower is typically only about ⅛ inch long and wide.
Goldenrod Roots
Goldenrod has a deep and fibrous rhizomatous root system. The rhizomes are often reddish and 2 to 5 inches long.
Goldenrod Look-Alikes
Goldenrod is sometimes mistaken for Agrimony (Agrimonia gryposepala). However, Agrimony differs in several noticeable ways:
- Agrimony is often tall and may reach 6 feet in height.
- Agrimony has pinnately compound leaves.
- Agrimony leaflets are many veined and coarsely toothed.
- Agrimony stems exude a spicy odor when crushed.
- Individual Agrimony flowers have 5 petals.
- Agrimony grows in shaded thickets and woodlands.
Agrimony Flowers
Another look-alike is Ragweed species (Ambrosia sp.). Fortunately, it too differs in a few easy-to-spot ways:
- Ragweed has dissected fern-like leaves.
- Ragweed stems are usually highly branched.
- Depending on the species, Ragweed may grow to 8 feet in height.
- Ragweed flower inflorescences are covered in inconspicuous, yellowish-green flowers which are wind-pollinated rather than insect pollinated.
Lastly, Goldenrod can be mistaken for Common Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris). Common Groundsel is distinguished from Goldenrod in the following ways:
- Common Groundsel leaves are pinnately lobed.
- Common Groundsel has hollow stems that may branch from the base or top.
- Common Groundsel flowers are 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inches wide and form in open clusters of 10 to 22.
Ways to Use Goldenrod
As an edible herb, Goldenrod is best when young and tender. Harvest the young leaves and shoots to use as a potherb in soups and other recipes. You can also use it raw in salads, but many folks find it has a strong flavor raw.
The flowers also be used raw or cooked. They’re an excellent addition to muffins, cookies, quickbreads, and other baked goods.
Goldenrod truly excels in the herbalist’s medicine cabinet. It’s helpful in dealing with urinary complaints, inflammation, allergies, skin issues, heart problems, and other ailments. For internal use, you can use Goldenrod roots, leaves, stems, and flowers to create teas and tinctures. For external use, add Goldenrod to salve, soap, and lotion recipes.
Goldenrods are also occasionally grown as ornamentals or in pollinator plantings. In some cultures, they’re seen as a sign of good luck. Additionally, fiber artists can use Goldenrod to make some excellent natural dyes.
Goldenrod Recipes
- Capture some of Goldenrod’s goodness and the taste of fall with this Goldenrod and Pear Cordial recipe from The Herbal Academy.
- Make a delicious and healthy side of Goldenrod shoots with this recipe for Goldenrod Shoots with Sunflower Vinaigrette from The Forager Chef.
- Goldenrod tea used to be more prevalent in the US and was sometimes known as Blue Mountain Tea. Make your own with this recipe from The Herbal Academy.
- Not a tea person? Try this Goldenrod Iced Coffee recipe from Life’s Little Sweets.
- Make a beautiful and healthful Goldenrod soap using Goldenrod tea and infused oil with this recipe from The Nerdy Farm Wife.
- Usher in the harvest season with this tasty Goldenrod cornbread from The Wondersmith.
- Preserve some Goldenrod to treat allergies, colds, flu, and sinus issues with this Goldenrod Tincture formula from The Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine.
- Goldenrod mead can be made in the same way you’d make mead with any edible wildflower, and it’s a fun, sunny beverage to enjoy year-round.
Wild Weeds Foraging Guides
Looking for more edible wild weeds?
- Foraging Yarrow
- Foraging Plantain
- Foraging Pineapple Weed (wild chamomile)
- Foraging dandelions
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