Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis, S. virgaurea

leaf · infusion

Young leaves cooked like spinach, and flowering tops steeped into a mild, slightly bitter tea.

Origin

Europe and North America

Where to find it

Canada goldenrod has invaded waste ground and banks all over Europe; the European one grows along woodland edges; the flowering tops are picked as flowering begins.

Season (United States)

June to September · grows in your region

Preparation

The leaves are picked in spring, before the stem shoots up; for tea, one teaspoon of dried flowering tops per cup, ten minutes.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Flavonols (quercetin)

Did you know?

After the Boston Tea Party, American colonists drank its tea, “Liberty tea”, instead of taxed English tea.