SOLIDAGO

Description

Solidago: the golden glory suffering from a case of mistaken identity! With origins in North and South America, Europe and Asia, Solidago is a wispy, perennial herb known for its medicinal and ornamental applications. Its genus name actually comes from the Latin word “solido” meaning to heal or strengthen. This references the plant’s healing properties, which were used in medicines to treat wounds, internal bleeding and heart conditions. Native Americans also chewed their leaves to help relieve toothaches and sore throats.

This wildflower also boasts other practical uses; vibrant dyes can be extracted from Solidago flowers, and all species are edible and quite nutritious. Its flowers and leaves can be used to make tea, salads and soups. The species Solidago altissima, or tall goldenrod, is a fall favorite of the honeybee. It comes to little surprise, then, that this species is used in the production of honey! It is said that if a pollen allergy sufferer eats one or two tablespoons of goldenrod honey daily, it can lessen their sensitivity to pollen.

Sun-loving Solidago grows from thick crowns or rhizomes, typically reaching between 60-182 cm in height, and features tapered leaves on slim, branched stems. A member of the Asteraceae family, its stems are decorated with thick clusters of tiny florets measuring 6mm in diameter and are usually yellow or gold in color. These characteristics make Solidago a favorite among florists as a filler flower, providing wonderful volume and a pop of color to fresh and dried arrangements. Butterflies and bees are also keen on the flower’s rays, both of whom pollinate the plant and feed on its nectar.

The genus is composed of about 100 species of flowering plants, most of which are native to North America. Its cultivars also typically differ in the size and shapes of their flowering stems. In the U.S. and Europe, Solidago canadensis (Canada goldenrod) makes up the most common garden species today. Numerous new hybrids have also been derived from this species, along with S. virgaurea and S. cutlery, resulting in a vast array of cultivars available for florists to select from.

Historically, Solidago has been used to symbolize good fortune, growth and encouragement. Because it can survive in diverse (and often harsh) habitats, Solidago represents the epitome of the pioneering spirit, which is particularly fitting given its origins in the meadows and pastures of North America. For these reasons, Solidago was named as the state flower of Nebraska and Kentucky. However, given its aggressive, fast-growing nature, Solidago is often regarded as a weed or invasive in North America. In Europe, conversely, they are very much prized perennials.

As mentioned in the opening paragraph, Solidago suffers from a case of mistaken identity. It is often blamed for causing allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, which is an allergic reaction that occurs from exposure to pollen. Although they are heavy pollen producers, Solidago does not cause seasonal allergies. The most probable culprit here is ragweed, which blooms around the same time as Solidago. Ragweed pollen is windborne, unlike that of Solidago, whose pollen is heavier and must be carried by insect couriers.

Today, Solidago thrives as a cut flower, primarily used as a filler in floral decor, especially during the fall season. It also works well when dried. With its vivid color and voluminous texture, Solidago can add a natural “wow-factor” to any arrangement or garden setting.

Colors: Yellow

Special Care

Select sturdy stems with about one-third of their florets open. Avoid any stems with brown or dry flower heads and any foliage with yellow spots.

Immediately upon receipt, strip foliage that falls below the water line. Recut the stems about 2.5 cm at an angle (45-degrees) and hydrate them in water mixed with a commercial floral preservative (with added sugar and a germicide agent) for at least two hours before storage or use in floral work. The sugar will help the florets open and prevent the leaves from yellowing prematurely. Also, although not required, stems can be recut under running water or in a bowl of clean water. Cutting under water may reduce the risk of air pockets forming at the stems’ base and allows the flowers to absorb water right away.

Solidago loves water, so make sure stems are always properly hydrated. Stems may be stored for five days at 36–39ºF (2.2–3.9ºC).

Arrangements with Solidago should be kept in a cool place with good ventilation and away from direct sunlight.

Fun Facts:

• The genus name comes from the Latin word “solido” meaning to heal or strengthen. This references the plant’s healing properties, which were used in herbal medicines to treat wounds and internal bleeding. Native Americans also chewed their leaves to help relieve toothaches and sore throats.

• More than 100 species form the genus, with most of them being native to North America.

• A member of the Compositae family, Solidago flowers are a composite of small, individual flowers that form like clusters on one head. Their stems can also grow to impressive lengths, ranging from 60–182 cm in height.

• Solidago flowers were commonly brewed in tea that could help treat heart conditions, among other ailments. The plant’s young leaves and seeds are also used as a foodsource, typically being featured in salads or cooked in soup. Solidago is also used in the production of a dark, amber-colored honey.

• In the language of flowers, Solidago symbolizes good fortune, sincerity, growth and encouragement. With its ability to survive and thrive in sub-par natural conditions, Solidago is the epitome of the pioneering spirit, which is fitting given its origins in the meadows and pastures of North America.

• Solidago is often blamed for causing hay fever (allergic rhinitis), an allergic reaction that incites from pollen exposure. Although they do produce heavy pollen, Solidago does not cause seasonal allergies. The culprit of hay fever is most likely ragweed, which blooms around the same time as Solidago. Their pollen is windborne, unlike that of Solidago, whose pollen is heavier and must be carried by insect couriers.

• Solidago has ties to one of America’s most famous inventors—Thomas Edison. In the 1920s, Edison, along with Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, formed the Edison Botanic Research Corporation in Fort Myers, Florida. The coalition’s goal was to locate a plant that could serve as a domestic source of rubber to lessen the country’s dependence on imported rubber. After testing 17,000 different species, Edison concluded that the concentration of latex on the leaves of Solidago plants were suitable enough to use in the production of rubber. With these findings, rubber made from Solidago foliage was used in Ford’s Model T automobile, which was the first attempt in the U.S. to offer a commercial vehicle option to the general public. However, later innovations would show that using synthetic rubber was a more time efficient option for the mass-production of Ford’s automobiles.

• Natural dye can be extracted from the plant’s vibrant yellow blooms.

• Solidago is the state flower of Nebraska and Kentucky.

• Beloved by florists in both fresh and dry arrangements, Solidago is a versatile filler flower that can be used in all seasons.