Plant ID Pages

Plant ID Pages

Plant ID Pages

Hummingbird moth with bee balm blossom
Hummingbird moth with bee balm blossom

Goldenrod (Solidago spp. )

Goldenrod (Solidago spp. )


Sunshine on a stem. Ragweed’s unfairly blamed twin.

What It Is

Goldenrod is a bright, resinous perennial common in fields, roadsides, and open woods. Dozens of native species grow across North America, and all are considered edible or medicinal. Best known as a kidney and lymphatic herb, goldenrod is a classic choice for fall teas and seasonal remedies.


Sunshine on a stem. Ragweed’s unfairly blamed twin.

What It Is

Goldenrod is a bright, resinous perennial common in fields, roadsides, and open woods. Dozens of native species grow across North America, and all are considered edible or medicinal. Best known as a kidney and lymphatic herb, goldenrod is a classic choice for fall teas and seasonal remedies.

Use It Like This

Leaves & Flowers

  • Dry for tea blends.

  • Pair with mint or elderflower in allergy-supporting brews.

  • Infuse into oil for sore muscles and swollen joints.

  • Use fresh flowers in wildflower jelly or vinegars.


Tip: Harvest while blooming but before flowers go to seed. Goldenrod is fragrant, uplifting, and pairs well with citrusy herbs.

Use It Like This

Leaves & Flowers

  • Dry for tea blends.

  • Pair with mint or elderflower in allergy-supporting brews.

  • Infuse into oil for sore muscles and swollen joints.

  • Use fresh flowers in wildflower jelly or vinegars.


Tip: Harvest while blooming but before flowers go to seed. Goldenrod is fragrant, uplifting, and pairs well with citrusy herbs.

Harvest Notes

  • Despite its reputation, goldenrod pollen is too heavy to cause hay fever — ragweed is the real culprit.

  • Crushed leaves smell bright and resinous, almost balsamic.

  • Avoid roadside patches that may be sprayed or exposed to exhaust.


Wild Pantry Snapshot

Goldenrod is a sunshine herb and a misunderstood marvel. Use it in teas, salves, and seasonal tinctures to bring fall’s brightness into your pantry.

Students identifying and sorting edible wild plants as part of a foraging certification course.
Students identifying and sorting edible wild plants as part of a foraging certification course.
Students identifying and sorting edible wild plants as part of a foraging certification course.
Fresh wild greens and berries in a wooden bowl, representing the hands-on results of Foraging Academy’s certification classes.
Fresh wild greens and berries in a wooden bowl, representing the hands-on results of Foraging Academy’s certification classes.
Fresh wild greens and berries in a wooden bowl, representing the hands-on results of Foraging Academy’s certification classes.
Group of students processing acorns together during a foraging class, representing shared learning and scholarship.
Group of students processing acorns together during a foraging class, representing shared learning and scholarship.
Group of students processing acorns together during a foraging class, representing shared learning and scholarship.