Solidago radiata
At a glance
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will succeed in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The plant does not appear in the Checklist of N. American plants, suggesting that either the name is wrong or the plant does not come from N. America. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. This species is not in the IOPI list of accepted plant names. Succeeds in any moderately fertile moisture retentive soil in sun or semi-shade. Grows well in heavy clay soils. A rather greedy plant, it is apt to impoverish the soil. The plant attracts various beneficial insects such as ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies to the garden, these insects will help to control insect pests in the garden.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed and do not allow the compost to become dry. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on for their first winter in pots. Plant them out into their permanent positions in spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.
Edible uses
Leaves and flowering stems - cooked. Seed - used as a thickener in soups etc. The seed is very small and fiddly to harvest[K]. A tea is made from the leaves and flowers.
Medicinal uses
Antiseptic, haemostatic, salve.
Material uses
Mustard, orange and brown dyes can be obtained from the whole plant.
Habitat
Not known
Native range
Western N. America.