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Native Plant Database

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Solidago odora (Anisescented goldenrod)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Solidago odora Ait.

Anisescented goldenrod, Anise-scented goldenrod, Sweet goldenrod

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

USDA Symbol: SOOD

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

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: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom 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 , WV
Canada: NS
Native Distribution: E. TX to FL, n. to s.e. MO, c. NY & s. NH
Native Habitat: Savannas; pinelands; dry woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil 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 Bees
Special 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.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Prairie Nursery - Westfield, WI

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Solidago odora in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Solidago odora in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Solidago odora

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-07-25
Research By: TWC Staff

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