Goldenrod, Sweet

Description

Botanical Name: Solidago odora var. odora

Common Name: Sweet Goldenrod, Anise-Scented Goldenrod

Description: There are 22 native species of Solidago that grow in Florida. This beautiful plant is one of them. Goldenrod species have different growth habits, so be sure to choose one that fits the height and spreading habit that you need for your garden.

This is an upright clumping perennial wildflower that quickly grows 2-4 feet tall x 1-2 feet wide. It can spread from short rhizomes, but it is one of the most well behaved of the goldenrod species. Leaves are lance shaped, sessile, and entire. The blades are glossy and up to 4” long and 3/4” wide. They are smooth beneath but dotted with glands. Foliage releases a licorice or anise scent when crushed. The central stem is topped by a spreading pyramidal panicle that is about as wide as it is tall. The entire inflorescence can be up to 7” long with many ¼” flowerheads. Each head has 3-4 ray florets surrounding a similar number of disc florets. The florets mature into small achenes crowned by tufts of hair. Is one of the earliest goldenrods to bloom, with the beautiful yellow flowers showing off mid-summer to fall.

Its native habitat is in dry open woods, savannas, sandy pinelands, sandhills, pine barrens, ridges, thickets, ravines, bluffs, old fields and other disturbed sites. Responds well to controlled burns. Plant in sandy, loamy, clay, or gravelly soils. It is extremely drought tolerant once established. Plant in a dry to moist area. Does not like to grow in wet areas.

Is of particular importance as a pollen and nectar source for native bees and honey bees. Attracts butterflies and other pollinators to its nectar. Birds and other animals eat the seeds. Of special value for Integrated Pest Management because it attracts the good bugs that like to eat the bad bugs. Not very deer resistant.

Goldenrod species have many medicinal uses. Its very fragrant foliage can be used in teas, potpourris, and tinctures.
Solidago odora var odora and Solidago odora var chapmanii are very much alike. The main differences are odora grows mainly in the Florida panhandle while chapmanii grows mostly in the peninsula, and odora‘s leaves have that signature anise/licorice fragrance to them, are more elongated and linear, and it is the taller of the two.

Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray.

This plant in 1-gallon containers is 8-15 inches tall.

Plant Lore: This species is called blue mountain tea due to the medicinal tea that can be prepared from the leaves. After the Boston Tea Party, colonists drank a concoction called Liberty Tea made from Solidago odora and Ceanothus americanus blended with clover and betony. Genus name comes from the Latin words solidus meaning whole and ago meaning to make in reference to the medicinal healing properties of some species plants. The specific epithet, odora, means fragrant.

Florida Hardiness Zones 8 – 9