​Tall Goldenrod, Late Goldenrod,Solidago altissima,

Photo Credit: John George

Sunflower Family (Asteraceae)
Found in disturbed habitats, open sites
Seen blooming in August by the Rio Chama, Abiquiu

This Goldenrod is the tallest of the Goldenrods in our area, growing in colonies from two to six feet tall. The stems have numerous leaves which are up to 7 inches long with 3 strong veins. Flower heads are a showy, branching cluster of flower stalks making a pyramid shape. Tiny flowers grow along one side of the stalks. A single plant can have over 1,000 individual flowers. The genus Solidago is from the Latin solido, to 'make whole', as the plants of this genus were known to "make whole". Native American tribes have found a variety of uses for the Goldenrod; for treating cramps, fevers, colds, ulcers and boils, as a wash for a child who does not talk or laugh, as a bath for women during childbirth, to quiet babies with sleeplessness or excessive crying, to relieve diarrhea, as a charm for success in gambling, and a decoction of the plant and wild tarragon has been used as a wash for horses with cuts and sores. Source.

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