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Also Known As: Goldenrod

Botanical Name: Solidago spp.

Pronunciation: so-li-DAH-go

Family Name: Compositae (aster)

Origin: North/South America, Europe, Asia

Common Relatives: Chrysanthemum, cosmos, dahlia, zinnia

Introduction: Who hasn't watched the autumn sun find its reflecting pool in fields of goldenrod? The plentiful solidago has plumes sometimes reaching six feet tall. Though it produces heavy pollen, solidago is not allergenic and, in fact, takes its name from the Latin “solido”, meaning to make whole or strengthen, referring to its medicinal properties. This herbaceous perennial, the Nebraska state flower, means encouragement, precaution, and good fortune, and in arrangements, lasts up to 10 days.

Interesting Facts:

• From the Latin "solido" (to make whole or strengthen), referring to medicinal properties
• Goldenrod's are not allergenic, they produce heavy pollen that must be transported by insects. Pollen causing hay fever is light and wind-borne, such as that from ragweed.
• The Compositae or aster family is vast, with over 20,000 species, and is also one of the most developed families. It was named Compositae because the flowers are actually a "composite" of many individual flowers into one head. Hence, when children pull one "petal" off at a time, saying "she/he loves me, loves me not", they are actually removing a complete flower, not just a petal.
• suitable for drying

• Many tiny flowers in arching wands, erect spikes, branching plumes
• plant is an herbaceous perennial, dicotyledon, leaves not parallel veined

Flower Color: yellow, golden

Fragrance: none

Decorative Life: 7-10 days

Special Care Tips: Remove bottom leaves if present, recut stems under water and place into a fresh flower food solution.

Ethylene Sensitivity: no