Figure 52.—Fragrant goldenrod (Solidago suaveolens)

Synonym

Solidago odora Ait.

Other Common Names

Sweet goldenrod, wound weed, Blue Mountain tea, sweet-scented goldenrod, anise-scented goldenrod, true goldenrod.

Habitat And Range

The fragrant goldenrod is found in dry, sandy soil or pinelands from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Arkansas and Texas.

Description

Fragrant goldenrod is a slender herb from 2 to 4 feet high with nearly smooth stems. The narrow, pointed, entire leaves, which have a pleasant anise odor when crushed, are 2 to 4 inches long and one-fourth to three-fourths of an inch wide. In summer and fall the numerous small, yellow flowers appear, densely crowded in branched clusters at the end of the stems.

Part Used

The leaves and tops, collected during the flowering period.