Goldenrod ( T)

4. Goldenrod – Solidago canadensis T

Other names: Canadian goldenrod, common goldenrod

Perennial – fixes nitrogen in soil. Good source of pollen for insects

Over 100 species mostly native to North America

Solidago virgaurea (wild goldenrod - Gaelic: Fuinnseag coille) was recorded growing in The Isle of Lewis and used as a medicinal plant in Skye in the  17th Century. No traditional references as a dye.

Native Americans used the seeds of some species as food. Used for herbal teas. Considered in some places to be a sign of good luck. Used experimentally in the 1940’s to produce a rubber substitute for car tyres. Used in herbal medicine.

Dye: the flowers give a yellow dye