Solidago spathulata

DC.

Coast goldenrod

Asteraceae Edible: Leaves, Seeds, Flowers 3,142 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Solidago spathulata, the coast goldenrod or dune goldenrod, is a North American species of goldenrod in the family Asteraceae.

Description

A perennial herb reaching 60 cm (2 ft) tall, growing at a fast rate. Hardy to UK zone 8. Flowers from June to September. Hermaphrodite flowers are pollinated by insects. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with tolerance for mildly acidic, neutral, and basic soil pH. Adapts to semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil. Tolerates maritime exposure. Attracts wildlife.

Edible Uses

Leaves and flowering stems can be eaten cooked. The seed, though very small and fiddly to harvest, can be used as a thickener in soups and similar dishes. A tea can also be made from the leaves and flowers.

Traditional Uses

The flowers are steeped for a drink or added to herbal teas. They are also used for pancakes and fritters.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The flowering stems are antiseptic, haemostatic, and useful as a salve. An infusion of the dried powdered herb can be used as an antiseptic. A poultice made from toasted, powdered leaves mixed with oil has been used to treat mumps.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Cultivation

Succeeds in any moderately fertile moisture retentive soil in sun or semi-shade. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Judging by the plants native habitat, it is likely to be tolerant of maritime exposure. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. 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 in pots, and plant out in spring or early summer. Divide in spring or autumn. Larger divisions can go directly into permanent positions; smaller ones are best potted up and grown on in a lightly shaded cold frame until well established before planting out in summer.

Other Uses

Mustard, orange, and brown dyes can be obtained from the whole plant. The plant also attracts wildlife.

Notes

There are about 100 Solidago species.

Synonyms

Solidago simplex Kunth ssp. simplex var. spathulata (DC.) Cronquist

References (2)

Lim, T. K., Edible Medicinal and Non-Medicinal Plants Volume 7 Flowers
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/