By Anna Petrie
When one thinks of the arrival of late summer into fall, emotions can go in two ways: The impending dread of late season allergies OR earthly bliss of fall blooms and colors. Of course, many like to falsely accuse our friend goldenrod (Solidago spp.) of these unwanted pollen allergies. They cannot help but have vibrant yellow flowers that potentially scream “pollen, pollen, pollen!”. Alas, as we like to continually teach, these late flowering native ‘weeds’ have pollen that’s too heavy and sticky to become airborne. Our pollinator friends enjoy that abundant pollen whilst we sneeze at the villainous ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia).
Now that I have your attention and even affection towards goldenrod, let’s dive into a special species: Solidago odora. Specific epithet meaning fragrant, this odorous plant is commonly called sweet goldenrod. Some other names often used are licorice goldenrod, anise-scented goldenrod, or fragrant goldenrod. To some, goldenrod can be tricky to differentiate from each other unless the leaves are dramatically different, or by the landscape it’s growing in. S. odora can be identified by its clumping habit, non-distinctive veins on its smooth slender leaves, smaller flower head, and most importantly its anise scented leaves when pressed/crushed. Of the approximately 25 native goldenrods in New England, sweet goldenrod can be found at its northern limit in southern regions of New England, to southern central U.S. This species most commonly can be found growing in nutrient-poor habitats, along with dry open woods or meadows.
Coming across this plant in its favored environment can be exciting for those who know how to utilize its properties. Goldenrod species have a vast history of use either medicinally, culinary, or for crafts. Though most goldenrods can be used for natural plant dyes and creating herbal teas, tinctures, or salves; S. odora is most known for its aromatic properties. In historical accounts, goldenrod, more favorably sweet goldenrod, has been a significant ingredient in ‘Liberty Tea’. These patriotic infusions were created through rejection of the English crown during the 1773 Boston Harbor rebellion, a form of protest against imported tea. Though the anti-tea period was a representation of the use of herbs that are native and useful in one’s region, and even non-native and grown in one’s garden, one mustn’t forget the significance of goldenrod within indigenous communities, and how to this day and how we can honor these plants and their first stewards and herbalists. Medicinally, S. odora is thought to act as an astringent for digestive tract issues, headaches, or fluid retention either through teas or even used topically (Grieve, 1994). Our native stewards also would use this for colds, coughs, and fevers. Personally, I find sweet goldenrod flowers (or any goldenrod) to make the most precious yellow dye as well as a creative floral tie dye design. Simply forage for some goldenrod (stem and flowers) and arrange onto a cotton white shirt as desired. Tightly roll the shirt up, ensuring the goldenrod is secure and well covered. Tie off the shirt with string and make sure it is still tight. Place it in a container with a lid and pour hot (boiled but no longer boiling) water within and let sit in hot water for up to an hour. If the water cools down fast, you may add more hot water. After an hour, let sit in settled water at least overnight, and unravel when done. Be careful when washing – plant dye can fade! If dying isn’t your thing, sweet goldenrod flowers are a perfect culinary ingredient for cupcakes or muffins. Though abundant, identifiable, and generally safe, it is always best to be well informed and mindful before using this herb as well as foraging for it.
Hardy from zones 4a-9b, this perennial can tolerate most conditions and will naturalize similar to the other species in the genus. Sweet goldenrod is far less aggressive and primarily clump forming, typically having up to 5 or more stems. Soil conditions typically are sandy and poor, though this plant can tolerate clay soils as well when given time to dry out. This plant will self-seed and spread slowly throughout your garden space by their short rhizomes. It is not aggressive as some other species of goldenrod. Placed in full sun to part shade with good drainage, this species could be a great addition to a low maintenance meadow, edible garden, or pollinator garden. It is moderately deer resistant and has limited disease problems. Humans are not the only ones who benefit from this sweet herb, it has many values to different wildlife and habitats. Mining bees (Andrena spp.), fairy bees (Perdita spp.), paper wasp (Polistes spp.), and even our predatory friends of the ambush bug genus (Phymata) are just some insects that regularly visit sweet goldenrod inflorescences. Many songbird species also flock to the seeds as an important food source, notably during the autumn months.
When planting a garden or enhancing a naturalized space, the most beneficial and even successful plants are sometimes our common native plants. We pass by these species without thinking much of something we see as ordinary. Sometimes taking notice of these common plants that can be utilized in your daily life can help create a better connection to ecological gardening. Learning more about our native plants can open a door to appreciating what we are planting for the benefit of our landscapes.
Anna Petrie, with background in habitat management and ecological gardening, now manages the living collection at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill as Plant Recorder. Through a grant with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Anna completes inventories of specimen plants throughout the Garden’s collections as well as labelling and mapping. Anna also volunteers her time with the New England Botanical Society, trekking through landscapes for plant collection field trips as well as aiding in processing NEBS herbarium specimen collection at Harvard University. Having her passion for native plants, preserved plants, and special collections she also tends to her own special native garden at home. Anna holds a B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Management from Unity Environmental University.
References used:
Eco-Friendly Native Plant of the Month NC NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY REEDY CREEK NATURE PRESERVE Photos by Will Stuart. 2017.
Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal. London, Tiger Books International, 1994.
Mary. “Licorice-Scented Goldenrod (Solidago Odora) – Rhode Island Wild Plant Society.” Rhode Island Wild Plant Society, 27 Nov. 2023, riwps.org/reseeding-rhode-island/licorice-scented-goldenrod-solidago-odora/. Accessed 30 Sept. 2025.
Richardson, Bruce . “Liberty Teas of Colonial Boston.” Boston Tea Party Ships, www.bostonteapartyship.com/tea-blog/liberty-teas-of-colonial-boston.