Solidago nemoralis

Aiton

Asteraceae Edible: Seeds 16,739 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Solidago nemoralis is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to North America, where it is widely found in Canada (every province except Newfoundland and Labrador) and the United States (all states wholly or partially east of the Rocky Mountains). Its common names include gray goldenrod, gray-stem goldenrod, old-field goldenrod, field goldenrod, prairie goldenrod, dwarf goldenrod, and dyersweed goldenrod.

Description

A perennial herb reaching 30 cm (1 ft) tall with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by insects. Grows well in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils, preferring well-drained conditions even in dense clay. Tolerates mildly acidic, neutral, and basic soil pH. Adapts to semi-shade or full sun and thrives in both dry and moist soil. Known for attracting wildlife.

Edible Uses

The seeds are edible, though they are very small and fiddly to harvest, with no further preparation details recorded.

Traditional Uses

The seeds are used as food.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The herb has antiseptic properties. An infusion made from the dried, powdered herb can be applied for this purpose.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Cultivation

Experimental Crop Industrial Crop: Hydrocarbon Management: HayWe have very little information on this species and do not know if it will succeed in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any moderately fertile moisture retentive soil in sun or semi-shade. Grows well in heavy clay soils. A rather greedy plant, it is apt to impoverish the soil. The plant attracts various beneficial insects such as ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies to the garden, these insects will help to control insect pests in the garden.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring in a cold frame, barely covering it, and keep the compost from drying out. Prick seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle, overwinter them in the pots, and plant out in spring or early summer. Divide plants in spring or autumn. Large divisions can go straight into permanent positions; smaller ones do best potted up and grown on in a lightly shaded cold frame until well established, then planted out in summer.