Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Solidago odora |
| Family Name: | Asteraceae (Aster family) |
| Common Name(s): | Sweet Goldenrod, Anise-scented Goldenrod |
| Size: | Typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall |
| Plant Type: | Perennial herb |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Native to the eastern United States |
| Native to: | Found from Maine to Florida, west to Texas and north to Minnesota |
| Planted range in the USA: | Widely cultivated in gardens and natural areas across its native range |
| Conservation Status: | Not listed as threatened or endangered |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Best planted in early spring or fall |
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type: | Adaptable to a variety of soils, prefers well-drained soil |
| Soil pH: | 6.0 to 7.2 (slightly acidic to neutral) |
| Water Requirements: | Drought tolerant once established, but performs best with regular watering |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Does not require frequent fertilization; a light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring can boost growth. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent excessive self-seeding |
| Growth Rate: | Fast |
| Companion Planting: | Complements other late-blooming perennials like asters and coneflowers; good for attracting pollinators when planted with these species |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | High; well-suited for xeriscaping or dry environments |
| Frost Tolerance: | Good; can tolerate frosts down to about -10°F to -20°F (-23°C to -29°C) |
| Heat Tolerance: | Excellent; can handle temperatures up to about 90°F (32°C) to 100°F (38°C) |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate |
| Salt Tolerance: | Moderate; suitable for planting in coastal areas away from direct salt spray |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | 4-9 |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Produces small, non-edible seeds |
| Harvest Time: | Not typically harvested; seeds mature in late fall |
| Fruit Description: | Tiny, dry, and carried by the wind |
| Edible Plant: | No, the plant is not cultivated for edible purposes |
| Edible Parts: | N/A |
| Medicinal: | Traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties |
| Flower Color: | Bright yellow |
| Flower Shape: | Small, clustered spikes |
| Fragrance: | Anise-scented when crushed |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Late summer to early fall |
| Bloom Duration: | Lasts several weeks, providing a prolonged display of color |
| Pollination: Self or Other? |
Attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are drawn to the vibrant yellow flowers |
| Pollinators: | Bees and butterflies are key pollinators for Solidago odora |
| Problematic Pest: | Generally pest-resistant; occasionally may attract aphids. |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | No, Solidago odora is not toxic and is safe around children and pets |
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | None |
| Toxic to Humans: | Not toxic |
| Toxic to Animals: | Non-toxic; safe for pets and wildlife |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | Can be susceptible to rust and fungal diseases in humid conditions; ensure good air circulation |
Sweet Goldenrod (Solidago Odora)
Imagine a burst of radiant yellow flowers that not only captivate the eye but also enchant the nose with a sweet, licorice-like aroma. This is the charm of Solidago odora, more commonly known as Sweet Goldenrod, a native gem from the eastern United States and Canada. Its towering spires of tiny, star-shaped flowers light up any garden from late summer to early fall, creating a spectacle of golden hues that can transform the simplest of landscapes into a painter's canvas.
Sweet Goldenrod is more than just a visual treat; it's a sensory experience. As you walk through your garden, the distinctive anise-scented fragrance released by its leaves when crushed or brushed against adds a layer of aromatic delight, making it a favorite among gardeners looking to add both beauty and fragrance to their outdoor spaces. The plant's ability to thrive with minimal fuss makes it an ideal choice for both seasoned gardeners and beginners looking to bring a touch of wild elegance to their garden retreats.
Adding Sweet Goldenrod to your garden isn’t just about enhancing its aesthetics; it’s about creating a lively, sensory-rich environment where sight and scent play equally important roles. Whether used as a border, an accent, or a natural backdrop, this goldenrod variant promises to make your garden a more vibrant and inviting place.
Companion Planting
For Solidago odora (Sweet Goldenrod), creating an effective companion planting strategy enhances both the aesthetic and ecological dynamics of your garden. Here’s a guide to companion planting for Sweet Goldenrod, focusing on Florida Native and Florida Friendly plants, complete with their USDA Planting Zone Range, benefits, and uses:
Florida Native Plants:
Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed)
Zone Range: 3-9
Benefits: This plant attracts butterflies, particularly monarchs, which can help pollinate Sweet Goldenrod and other garden plants.
Use: Plant alongside Sweet Goldenrod in a pollinator garden to create a vibrant, butterfly-friendly area.
Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan)
Zone Range: 3-10
Benefits: Its bright yellow flowers provide a stunning contrast against the golden blooms of Sweet Goldenrod and attract a variety of pollinators.
Use: Ideal for borders or naturalized areas where both plants can spread and create a colorful, low-maintenance display.
Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)
Zone Range: 3-9
Benefits: Echinacea supports a healthy garden ecosystem by attracting beneficial insects and providing nectar for butterflies and bees.
Use: Plant in the background or intersperse with Sweet Goldenrod for a striking color contrast and varied heights.
Florida Friendly Plants:
Lantana camara (Lantana)
Zone Range: 8-11
Benefits: Lantana's continuous blooming and ability to attract diverse wildlife complement the seasonal bloom of Sweet Goldenrod.
Use: Suitable for edging along paths or in front of Sweet Goldenrod, providing continuous color and interest.
Salvia spp. (Sage)
Zone Range: Varies by species, generally 5-10
Benefits: Salvia species are also excellent at attracting pollinators and can withstand similar environmental conditions as Sweet Goldenrod.
Use: Mix with Sweet Goldenrod in beds and borders for a prolonged flowering season.
Gaillardia pulchella (Blanket Flower)
Zone Range: 8-11
Benefits: Drought-tolerant like Sweet Goldenrod, Gaillardia adds bright splashes of red and yellow, enhancing the garden's visual appeal.
Use: Plant in full sun alongside Sweet Goldenrod for a stunning, resilient display that thrives in tough conditions.
Implementation Tips
Sunlight and Watering Needs: Ensure all chosen plants share similar sunlight and watering requirements to promote a harmonious growth environment.
Visual Harmony: Consider the mature sizes and colors of all plants to ensure a cohesive and balanced garden design.
Ecological Benefits: By choosing plants that attract beneficial insects and pollinators, you enhance the overall health and vibrancy of your garden ecosystem.
This selection of companion plants not only boosts the visual appeal of your garden but also supports a healthy ecosystem, making your gardening experience both beautiful and beneficial.