
Solidago species
Goldenrod is familiar to many, especially if you have allergies. Its bright yellow flowers can be found in fields, meadows and forests throughout the valley.
Stems grow as tall as 2-6 feet and have alternate lance-shaped leaves. Both leaves and stems are hairy. When they bloom, the flowers are very small and grow at the tops of stems in clusters called panicles.
We’re still researching the specific species of this particular goldenrod that grows up on the hill in the woods. We think seeing how it flowers will help us with that, so we’re going to need to keep going back to this location to see the shape of the flowers
We learned that goldenrod can be used for tea
Collect the top 12 inches of the plants to include the flowers. The flowers don’t dry well, so use them fresh. The leaves can be dried for future use.
To make goldenrod tea, pour boiling water over fresh or dried leaves and flowers. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. It has been said that the tea soothes sore throats.
We found this goldenrod growing in some sun to partial shade in the woods.