You may have noticed fields, roadside meadows or any free space between laneway garages become brightened with an abundance of sunshine yellow blossoms since late summer. This is the delightful and abundant Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) popping up every-which-where to let us know that summer is drawing to a close, and fall is here. This wild-growing plant can be found across North America and in Europe, Asia and North Africa. There are many types, but they all look quite similar and share their golden hue.

Goldenrod leaves and flowers can be enjoyed fresh in salads or other dishes, infused in a tea, made into a tincture, or used topically. The herb is known to clear sinus congestion, cleanse the urinary tract, and heal minor wounds. It can also be used to support minor digestive discomfort or as a mouth rinse to support oral health.

Although this plant gets a lot of flak for triggering fall allergies, its bright colours may draw more attention than it merits here. Unlike its close associate ragweed, which flowers at the same time but has more subtle green flowers; goldenrod gets pollinated by insects and doesn’t release its pollen into the air. Be mindful of using it medicinally if you’re sensitive to the Asteraceae family (ex. daisies, chamomile), but you’d have to stick your nose into the blossoms and take a sniff to inhale the pollen. In fact, Goldenrod infused tea or syrup can be a great remedy for allergy-induced congestion.

I collected some Goldenrod to infuse in a tea. I combined the leaves and flowers along with a bit of fresh grown mint and basil. It was a delightful tea, enjoyed both hot and cold.

Have you tried goldenrod? What’s your favourite fresh or foraged tea to infuse?