Solidago virgaurea ( Goldenrod ) is a perennial herb plant that is native to most of Europe, northern Africa and western Asia. Goldenrod was used throughout the middle ages primarily as a herb to treat wounds but has since been found to have a use in a wide range of ailments. It is easy to grow, produces pretty flowers in Summer and is frost tolerant in the Winter.
Suitable for Temperate and Dry Climates.
Solidago virgaurea is also commonly known as Woundwort or the European Goldenrod and has a botanical synonym, Solidago vulgaris which aptly describes its widespread range. It is found naturally in Britain, as far east as China and well in to the continent of Africa.
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Growth
Solidago virgaurea is a perennial flowering plant growing to 100 cm (3 feet) tall and as wide as 60cm (2 feet). Goldenrod thrives in temperate climates where it lays dormant through Winter before rapidly growing through the warmer months. It adapts to both clayish and loose, fertile soils as long as the roots remain consistently moist.
The leaves are narrow and are arranged alternately along the stem with their margins being both smooth or slightly serrated. During the warmer months and well into the Autumn, the plant produces a long spike on which to display its bright, yellow flowers. When many other flowering plants have packed up for the Winter, the Goldenrod continues to provide a source of food for pollinators.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Asteraceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10-30°C / 14-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Adapts to a wide range of consistently moist soils.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 100cm (3 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 60cm (2 feet)
pH:
5.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Bees and Flies
MATURITY:
6-9 months
GERMINATION RATES:
65-80%
GERMINATION TIME:
One month of cold stratification, then 14-21 days at temperatures between 15-25°C / 65-77°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 2200
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT SOLIDAGO VIRGAUREA (Goldenrod)
A yellow dye is made from the flowers of Solidago virgaurea.
The leaves and flowering tops are anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, mildly diuretic and are a stimulant.
Goldenrod has been used in traditional medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments that include wounds, kidney stones and bladder disorders, rheumatism, arthritis, gastro-enteritis, skin diseases, influenza and coughs.
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