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Goldenrod
(Solidago spp.)
by Ann Black and Jeff Sparks
Goldenrods are herbaceous perennials of the Asteraceae family, primarily found in North America. There are about 80 species of Goldenrod in North America, with more than twenty species found in Texas. The genus name Solidago is derived from the Latin term “solidus” which means, “to make whole”.
Goldenrods are resilient, drought-tolerant, long-lived perennials. One plant will produce many seeds and can quickly colonize a disturbed area or field. To the general layperson, species can be difficult to distinguish, because of similarities in morphology and possible hybridization across species.
Common characteristics across most goldenrod species include; yellow flowers clustered at the ends of long stems, alternate leaves; and blooming in the late summer and fall. Goldenrods are found in fields, along stream banks, open woods, caliche hillsides, and disturbed areas throughout Texas.
Numerous species occur in East and North Texas, including Solidago canadensis (tall goldenrod), S. gigantea (great or giant goldenrod), S. missouriensis (Missouri basin goldenrod), S. rigida (stiff goldenrod), S. rugosa (rough-stemmed goldenrod), S. radula (rough goldenrod) and S. ulmifolia (elm leaf goldenrod). Common Texas Hill Country species include: S. canadensis, and S. nemoralis (gray or prairie goldenrod).
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Common Goldenrod
(Solidago canadensis)
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Common Goldenrod
(Solidago canadensis)
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Wildlife value: Goldenrods are a valuable source of food and habitat for insects. The nectar, pollen, leaves and stems are consumed by insects. Carnivorous insects, such as the goldenrod spider and praying mantis, live on the plants and lie in wait to ambush feeding insects. The goldenrod spider, Misumena vatia is a crab spider that lives on asters and goldenrods; it can change its color from yellow to white depending upon the flower. Gall flies (Eurosta solidaginis) live out their entire life cycle on goldenrods. They are poor fliers and crawl up and down the stems. The fly eggs are laid inside of newly emerging stems. Gall fly larvae parasitize the stems and cause a large spherical gall to grow and persist through the winter. In autumn, the larva chews a tunnel in the gall through which the new gall fly will emerge in the spring. Birds and other predators eat gall flies and their larvae. The goldenrod plant truly has its own food web.
Medicinal Uses: Native Americans used goldenrod as a cauterizing agent and to stop bleeding, for treating ulcers, kidney disorders, respiratory infections and relieving pain and nausea. Modern herbal references list the plants as having anthelminthic, anticoagulant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent; diaphoretic, diuretic, fever-reducing, and stimulant properties. The flowers, leaves, roots and seeds are used. The plant is gathered in the summer and dried for later use. Active agents of goldenrods include saponins that are antifungal, rutin that is used to treat capillary fragility, and phenolic glycosides that are anti-inflammatory.
Other Uses: Goldenrods are a Native American dye plant and yield mustard, orange and brown dyes. Oil from the leaves of sweet goldenrod can be used for perfumes.
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Rough Goldenrod
(Solidago radula)
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Giant Goldenrod
(Solidago gigantea)
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Jeff Sparks (Natural Resources Coordinator)
Texas Parks and Wildlife
12016 FM 848
Tyler, Texas 75707
903-566-5698
Last Update: