tall goldenrod
Plant details:
Genus & species: Solidago altissima
Hardiness: Zone 5 to zone 10
Sun: Full sun preferred
Soil type: Adaptable to many soil types.
Soil moisture: Dry to moist, well-drained
Orders come as 3 or 12 rooted divisions.
Tall goldenrod, S. altissima, a common species of goldenrod in the eastern US (and beyond). It readily and rapidly colonizes poor, disturbed sites. Once established it can be successfully used as a “chop and drop” around young tree plantings in a permaculture/horticulture context. If using this method do not expect it to provide much weed suppression, since it is not broad-leaved. However, it will provide lots of tree food, particularly when dropped after it has started to become tall and woody.
Goldenrod and its various parts can be used as a food, a tea, and a medicine. It is also a wonderful plant for wildlife, attracting pollinators with flowers in late Summer/early Autumn, and birds to dine on the seeds afterward.
