Discovering His Creation: Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), Tall Goldenrod (Solidago Altissima)

Goldenrod can be found all over my State of Alabama and at one time was the state flower but was replaced in 1959 by the Camellia. It can be found throughout North America. A few species are native to South America and Eurasia. Some American Species have now been introduced to other parts of the world. It's edible and flowers and leaves may be eaten in salads or cooked. They can be dried for teas as well. In fact it was used as an alternative tea and called "Liberty Tea" after the Boston Tea Party in 1773. It was often combined with other ingredients to make to tea. Caution if gathering leaves though some can carry a fungus and should not be used. The plant has been used medicinally and continues to be used in herbal medicine. It's uses include pain reliever, reduces inflammation, a diuretic, to stop muscle spasms, treating gout, skin conditions and more! As always my blogs are here for information. Carefully research and learn about any plant before trying as an edible. Have the advice of an expert before using medicinally. The name Solidago means to make whole or heal. Another interesting fact about the Goldenrod is that Thomas Edison used the Goldenrod to make rubber. He made tires for his Model T given to him by Henry Ford. Only the leaves can be used to make this rubber. In the last 2 pictures at the end of this blog shows cluster galls or rosette galls they are found specifically on Canadian Goldenrod only. At first glance I thought this was Goldenrod and later became confused after looking at the pictures. I'd never seen Goldenrod with the cluster formation on them before. Information from an identification group clarified that for me. I read more about the rosette galls and found that it's caused from a minuscule fly that lays an egg in a leaf bud. After it hatches it keeps the stem from growing and elongating.The Goldenrod still continues to produce leaves resulting in a cluster like foliage of leaves. So many interesting discoveries as my Summer is now becoming fall. I'm learning what you might think is a weed has more value and benefit than you know. What a grand Creator I serve. Take time and discover creation around you and better yet spend time with the Creator who made it all.