LucasLand

The Wildflowers

Blue-stemmed Goldenrod

Solidago caesia

From North Creek Nurseries

Description
This clump forming, noninvasive perennial boldly displays arching wands of clustered with gold, contrasted by blue-green stems, in September. Great with Aster cordifolius and Chasmanthium. Adds life to a dry shady spot. Incredible butterfly magnet and cut flower!

Culture
S. caesia is found in rich woods and along shaded roadsides from Nova Scotia to Wisconsin, south to Texas and Florida. Prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun to shade. Tolerant of poor, dry soils and is somewhat drought tolerant once established. Propagate by seed or division. Best used or at the
woodland's edge, butterfly or wild garden.

Additional Information
The Latin name is a cimbination of solidus and ago, meaning "I make whole", a reference to its long history as an herbal remedy. Goldenrod has antioxidant, diuretic, and astringent and antifungal properties and is said to be especially useful in treating urinary tract and yeast infections, as well as sore throats and diarrhea. (W. Cullina, NEWFS, p. 197)

Both the roots and flowers of the Canada Goldenrod were used medicinally by Native Americans, who also boiled the flowers of various species to make a yellow dye. Thomas Edison hoped to make a rubber substitute from the rubbery sap of the goldenrod. Although these uses are no longer valid, the goldenrod's usefulness to countless species of birds, butterflies, and other insects is significant. Interestingly, a variety of tiny insects use small galls formed on the stems, leaves and even roots of the goldenrod to shelter their growing larva. The heavy, sticky pollen, which we now realize could not possibly cause hay fever (blame it on the Ambrosia spp.), is important to the viability of our natural communities.