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Solidago odora
Solidago odora Aiton
Anisescented Goldenrod, Anise-scented Goldenrod, Sweet Goldenrod
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: SOOD
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
A smooth, tall, fragrant plant bearing crowded, cylindrical clusters of yellow flower heads along one side of slightly arching branches, Anise-scented goldenrod is a 2-5 ft. perennial with a neat form and rich, anise scent. The yellow inflorescence is usually one-sided, with the base wider than the tip.
The crushed leaves of Sweet Goldenrod give off an anise scent that readily identifies this widespread species. A tea can be brewed from its leaves and dried flowers.
From the Image Gallery
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Size Notes: Up to about 5 feet tall.
Fruit: Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , KY , LA , MA , MD , MO , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA , VT , WVCanada: NS
Native Distribution: E. TX to FL, n. to s.e. MO, c. NY & s. NH
Native Habitat: Savannas; pinelands; dry woods
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Average to poor, sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: Solidago odora is easily kept in bounds.
Benefit
Use Other: The crushed leaves of sweet goldenrod give off a licorice scent that readily identifies this widespread species. A tea can be brewed from its leaves. (Niering)Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesSpecial Value to Honey Bees
Supports Conservation Biological Control
This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Increase by division of mature clumps or by seed.Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 1620 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (Reprint Edition) (2009) Wasowski, S. with A. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Research Literature
Reslit 186 - Goldenrod: Plants with multipurpose potential (2002) R. L. BurrowsReslit 76 - Propagation protocol for production of Solidago odora seeds; USDA FS - National Seed Laboratory, Dry Branch, Georgia (2007) J. R. Barbour
Reslit 389 - Recognition and avoidance of the predator Phymata americana Melin on Solidago odora Ait. by late season floral visitors (1994) N. B. Elliott and L. M. Elliott
Reslit 280 - Seed germination strategies of species with restoration potential in a fire-maintained pine savanna (2006) K. L. Coffey and L. K. Kirkman
Reslit 917 - Effects of Fire on Plant Community Composition of North Florida Second Growth Pineland (1992) D. W. Mehlman
Reslit 925 - The life of a fire-adapted Florida goldenrod, Solidago odora var. chapmanii (2004) E. S. Menges and R. B. Root
Reslit 1415 - Sweet goldenrod (Solidago odora, Asteraceae): A medicine, tea, and state herb (1999) A. O. Tucker, M. J. Maciarello and K. Clancy
Reslit 1430 - Vegetation of frequently burned old-growth longleaf pine (Pinus palustris mill.) savannas on choccolocco mountain, Alabama, USA (2003) J. M. Varner, J. S. Kush and R. S. Meldahl
This information was provided by the Florida WIldflower Foundation.
Search More Titles in Research Literature
Additional resources
USDA: Find Solidago odora in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Solidago odora in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Solidago odora
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-01-16Research By: TWC Staff