Goldenrod

Description:

Goldenrods are very common wildflowers throughout Virginia and North America. It is difficult to describe only one, because there are over 50 species of Goldenrod in North America and most of them are very similar and hard to tell apart. All Goldenrods are late bloomers, flowering in late Summer into the Fall. Most species have spectacular displays of bright yellow flowers. Flowers are clustered on long stalks. Most Goldenrods have long, narrow leaves. Some species' leaves have smooth edges and some are toothed.

Habitat:

Wooded portion of greenbelt on stream bank.

Notes:

For a black licorice-flavored tea, cut the young leaves or flower stalks off the plant in late morning after dew has evaporated but before the hot sun bakes them. Hang the flower stalks upside-down to dry inside a brown paper bag to dry. Seep one teaspoon of the dried flowers in hot water to make an anise-flavored tea. Many goldenrods will form round galls on their stems. These are caused by a fly grub which is also edible by humans though most prefer to use the grub as fishing bait.