It seems that everywhere I look these days, I see bright, yellow clusters. After delving into the internet of things, I concluded that these showy perennials (largely considered invasive weeds) have got to be one of the most under-rated and, therefore, under-utilized plants out there. Solidago Canadensis – commonly known as GOLDENROD – blooms at the same time as ragweed, so it’s often associated with seasonal allergies. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, the name solidago means “to make whole”.

Historically, goldenrod has been used to heal skin wounds and as an oral rinse for mouth and throat inflammation. It’s also been used to treat tuberculosis, diabetes, enlargement of the liver, gout, hemorrhoids, internal bleeding, asthma, and arthritis. Additionally, it’s been proven to act as a diuretic and consumed as a tea to treat urinary tract infections and prevent or clear kidney stones. Studies suggest goldenrod may also help reduce inflammation, relieve muscle spasms, fight infections, and lower blood pressure.

WHEW! Needless to say, I see the abandoned lots turned fields of gold around our farm in a new light. We harvested 20 gallons of goldenrod and it didn’t even look like we had been there. (That’s the way we want to do it though – sustainably.) I’m drying bunches to use as teas and salves. I also reserved some bunches for seed harvesting. We have a small patch of goldenrod growing on the farm in an area I’ve recently christened the “NO MOW NATIVE GARDEN” that I’m allowing to self-seed and spread. On top of all the health benefits to humans, honey bees and all the other free-service pollinators love goldenrod, so I aim to have lots more on the farm to share with them next year.