Goldenrod
Solidago virgaurea
Aster family (Asteraceae)
I’m the only one who belongs here
Of the three species of goldenrod in the Netherlands, Solidago virgaurea is the only one that actually belongs here, common goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) and the giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) are newcomers but are often present in abundance, for instance in new nature reserves along the main Dutch rivers.
The goldenrod can reach 1m in height, it flowers from July until the autumn and doesn’t produce any suckers. In contrast with the other two goldenrod species, Solidago virgaurea doesn’t choke out the native vegetation. The flowers are borne in plume-like racemes and are larger than those of the other two species. The flower heads have distinct disc and ray florets.
The name Solidago is a combination of the Latin words solidum and agere meaning ‘to fasten’ and ‘cure’ respectively. In the word vigaurea are the words ‘virgin’ and ‘gold’ are recognisable. Solidago virgaurea is used as a remedy associated with the bladder and kidney. The active ingredients are phenolic glycoside, leiocarposide and flavonoid. The yellow pigment in the flower heads was used in the textile industry.
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Woundwort is used by herbalists as a remedy for ailments associated with the bladder and kidney.
The yellow pigment in the flower heads was used as a dye in the textile industry.
Details
Description: | Herb, up to 1 m. |
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Distributions: | Europe, asia |
Habitat: | In open deciduous woods and along the edges of thickets and sometimes in brushwood, often on sloping ground such as embankments; on fairly dry to fairly damp soils that are generally weakly acidic and somewhat loamy. |
Year cycle: | Perennial (trees and shrubs included) |
Hardiness: | Colder than -4 f (very hardy) |
Flowering period: | Juli - september |
Flower color: | Yellow |
Sources
http://www.floron.nl/publicaties/rode-lijst-2012,http://www.floravannederland.nl/planten/echte_guldenroede/,
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Solidago+virgaurea,
http://luirig.altervista.org/flora/taxa/index1.php?scientific-name=solidago+virgaurea,
Floron 2012 Basisrapport, IUCNredlist.org