Solidago

The History of Solidago

Solidago has made its mark on American history. In other words…America and goldenrod go way back.

After the Boston Tea Party, the tea made from goldenrod became known as liberty tea. This was the first known liberty tea ever to exist, and for quite a while it was the colonist’s beverage of choice while protesting against British taxation. 

This liberty tea was later exported to China because of its esteemed quality.

On October 26, 1918 a national publication called the Independent published its first survey on the American opinions of a national flower. The survey found that Americans were torn between four flowers:

• Columbine
• Clover
• Daisy
• Solidago

The debate continued further into the century.

In 1942, solidago was still holding strong as a front runner for America’s National Flower, but had developed a nasty reputation for causing allergies, specifically, hay fever.

While goldenrod’s pollen was then believed to be an aeroallergen, scientists have since discovered that this is not the case. The pollen produced by solidago is actually not airborne, and it just so happens that this bloom blossoms at the same time as ragweed, which we all know is the true culprit.

In the end, solidago did not win big as America’s National Flower. In 1986 the debate was settled and the rose received the honor of being the country’s national flower. [1]

Some solidago grow in sunny meadows and prairies, while others prefer semi-shaded woodland locations, boggy environments, and even salty coastal spots.

Since each different species is found growing in a wide range of environments with different soil conditions, the native habitat of the species you are planting should always be considered.

Solidago grows from either clump-forming crowns or rhizomes. Clump-forming varieties are better suited for manicured garden beds and boarders because they won’t spread as aggressively.

Plant more rambunctious rhizomatous varieties where you can easily contain the spread or in a naturalistic garden setting where they won’t be as intrusive.

Most varieties of solidago prefer full sun, with the exception of the woodland species which thrive in partial shade.

No special soil is needed, however, some varieties will adapt well to heavy clay, sandy, or rocky soils. Try not to plant solidago in overly rich soils, as this can lead to leggy growth.

Goldenrod is easy to grow from seeds. You can sow your solidago seeds in late fall or early winter. They will begin the germination process once temperatures begin to warm the following spring. Wherever you plant your seeds, be sure to sow them on the soil’s surface as they will need the sunlight to germinate.

Since solidago is in fact a wildflower, they need very little care once fully established.

Goldenrod is drought tolerant and disease resistant. Don’t worry about fertilizing, as this usually only leads to floppy growth. [4]

Solidago in general has quite a long vase life, however, as with all cut flowers, it’s important to note that these flowers have all been removed from their natural life source, so a little extra care can go a long way in keeping your fresh cut blooms alive for as long as possible.

• Get your fresh cut blooms into fresh water ASAP. Whether you’ve cut them directly from the garden or purchased them from your local florist, keeping them in fresh water is essential.
• If you’ve purchased your goldenrod from a local florist, remove any wrappings or cellophane as soon as you can. Leaving the flowers in this encasing causes the leaves to sweat (yes, sweat!) and the blooms to wilt.
• If you’re cutting solidago from your garden, cut them in the morning hours. This is when water reserves in the stem are at their highest (especially after a cool night).
• Clean your stems of any dirt or residue before placing them in fresh water as this can cause the water to go slimy way before it should.
• Remove any leaves or foliage that would fall below the waterline to avoid rotting.
• Trim the base of your stems at a 45 degree angle to keep the stem as open as possible (and for increased water flow throughout the bloom!).
  • P.S. Cells begin to grow over the end of flower stems when they’re cut, aiming to seal the cut, preventing water from traveling up the stem. Trimming off the end removes this problem.
• Some people say that cutting with scissors crushes the tip of the stem and to use a sharp knife instead. But scissors or garden secateurs are best for woody stems like these. [6]