Canada Goldenrod

(Solidago canadensis)

Because of its medicinal qualities Canada Goldenrod received the scientific name ‘solidago’ from the Latin words ‘solidus’ and ‘ago’, meaning ‘to restore or cure’.

Canada Goldenrod is a perennial of the sunflower family that grows from 30-175 cm. It’s stems grow alone.

LEAVES:

Canada Goldenrod

Canada Goldenrod leaves are:

• dark green;
• lance shaped;
• very pointed at the tip;
• usually toothed;
• crowded and numerous on the stem, fewer as progress up the stem.

FLOWERS:

• small heads (2 cm.) of 10-17 ray and disk flowers;
• yellow heads clustered in a plume shape at the top of the stem;
• Canada Goldenrod blooms in late summer and fall.

FRUIT:

• dry;
• one-seeded;
• nut-like;
• hairy have white bristles – like tufts of hair – help in their dispersal.

HABITAT:
Canada Goldenrod is found in low to mid elevations abundant throughout the southern interior many habitats; disturbed areas or forest openings.

FASCINATING FACTS:
there are many species of the goldenrod found all over North America. usually grows near the aster. dried seeds area used in flower arrangements. Canada Goldenrod flowers used in potpourris and in dyes the leaves are eaten as a green.

(information thanks to http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/wilderness/wildflowers/canada.htm)

Culver’s root

General Culture:

Culver's Root

Easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates light shade (and appreciates some afternoon shade in the deep South), but tends to flop and require support if grown in too much shade. Soil should not be allowed to dry out. Usually takes several years to establish itself in the garden.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

Culver’s root is a large, erect, Missouri native perennial which occurs in open woods, thickets and moist meadows and prairies throughout the State. Typically reaches 3-7′ tall when in bloom. Resembles a large veronica, except its lance-shaped leaves are in whorls (3-7 leaves per whorl) on the stems rather than opposite. Dense, slender, 9″ long spikes (racemes) of tiny, tube-like, white to pale blue flowers open from the top down in late spring to early summer atop strong, upright stems. Bloom can extend well into the summer. Smaller, branching, erect, lateral racemes give plant a candelabra-like effect when in full bloom. Root has been used medicinally as a cathartic.

(Information thanks to http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?Code=G180)