Solidago rugosa – Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod

There are over 75 species of goldenrod (Solidago spp.) in the United States. All above ground parts of goldenrods are edible, but taste varies depending on species.

 

Goldenrods can be found in areas with well-drained soil and full sun.

Wrinkleleaf goldenrod is named for its leaves, which have a wrinkled appearance on the top. The stem is hairy. The plant produces clusters of small yellow flowers in late summer.

 

Goldenrod shoots can be harvested in the spring and cooked like a vegetable. The plant has a strong, slightly bitter taste, with a hint of carrot.

Flowers can be harvested in the summer. They are most often used to make an herbal tea.

 

Being a native plant, roots should never be pulled and less than 20% of plants from an area should be harvested.

 

Goldenrod has been used medicinally to reduce inflammation and treat seasonal allergies.

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Written by Amy Demers, founder of the Connecticut Foraging Club. To learn more about foraging in Connecticut, check out our upcoming classes.