Herb: Coast Goldenrod


Latin name: Solidago spathulata


Family: Compositae



Medicinal use of Coast Goldenrod:

The flowering stems are antiseptic, haemostatic and salve. An infusion of the dried powdered herb can be used as an antiseptic. A poultice of the toasted, powdered leaves has been mixed with oil and used in the treatment of mumps.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
60 cm
(2 feet)

Flowering:
June to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Found in a wide range of habitats from coastal sand dunes to inland and alpine areas.

Edible parts of Coast Goldenrod:

Leaves and flowering stems - cooked. Seed - used as a thickener in soups etc. The seed is very small and fiddly to harvest. A tea is made from the leaves and flowers.

Other uses of the herb:

Mustard, orange and brown dyes can be obtained from the whole plant.

Propagation of Coast Goldenrod:

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed and do not allow the compost to become dry. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on for their first winter in pots. Plant them out into their permanent positions in spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Cultivation of the herb:

Found in a wide range of habitats from coastal sand dunes to inland and alpine areas.

Known hazards of Solidago spathulata:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.