During flowering, Goldenrod will definitely not go unnoticed. Its bright yellow flowers attract attention, and also become the main decoration of the place in which this plant grows. However, in addition to its appearance, it also has many useful properties. The beneficial effect of the plant on the body has been scientifically proven, but, despite this, it also has several contraindications. Another advantage of the Common Goldenrod is its easy maintenance.
Description
Common goldenrod is a perennial herb. He belongs to the Astrov family. The name of the plant comes from the Latin “solidus”, which means strong and healthy in terms of its medicinal properties. The people call the Goldenrod the “Fox Tail” and the “Golden Rod”.
It is interesting to note that among all the species of this plant, the common one is the most common. It has a fairly rich chemical composition, which contains organic and phenol carboxylic acids, saponins, vitamins A, E, B1, K, PP, and other valuable substances. It is due to its composition that the plant has medicinal properties.
Appearance
If you know the botanical characteristics of the Common Goldenrod, then it can be easily distinguished from other species, for example, from the Canadian Goldenrod. It is a bare or hairy plant, the rhizome of which goes quite deep into the ground. This plant has a rod-type root system. Quite often, a shoot can be seen above the ground, which can grow up to 1 meter in height. On it, elliptical or ovoid leaves are alternately located. They are green in color and have a scalloped edge.
During the flowering period (late spring), racemose inflorescences with many baskets are formed on the plant. They contain small yellow flowers. At the end of September, in place of the inflorescences, fruits with seeds are formed. Goldenrod can be grown from them.
Where grows
The common Goldenrod is a rather unpretentious plant. The wind carries its seeds over long distances, so this plant is widespread throughout the world. It is worth noting that due to its rapid growth and spread, many gardeners consider it a weed.
This species grows mainly in the European part of Russia, but today it can be found almost throughout the entire territory of the Eurasian continent. Also, the plant “captured” the western part of Asia and North America.
Goldenrod is able to take root in soil of various acidity. It can grow both on hills and forest edges, and in forests, in a meadow, among bushes or along roads. You can also see the Common species in the ravines and in the fields.
Medicinal properties
The common Goldenrod is widely used in medicine. For the first time, drugs based on it began to be prepared more than 300 years ago. Many recipes are still used today. In addition, the extract of this plant is added to various pharmaceutical preparations.
This demand for Goldenrod is due to its beneficial properties:
- heals wounds;
- has a diuretic effect;
- has antibacterial properties;
- relieves inflammation;
- eliminates edema;
- relieves spasm;
- stops bleeding;
- has antifungal effect;
- prevents the development of oncology;
- has a choleretic effect;
- strengthens the immune system.
In addition, decoctions and tinctures from this plant are considered powerful antiviral agents. That is why it was used in ancient times mainly for the treatment of diseases of viral etiology. Due to its composition, Goldenrod quickly relieved symptoms and eliminated ARVI, herpes, cystitis.
Another unique action of Goldenrod is astringent. Thanks to this property, the plant successfully fights diarrhea and various infectious diseases of the stomach. It is interesting to note that due to this effect, Goldenrod is used not only for the treatment of people, but also for animals. Veterinarians recommend giving pets an infusion of the herb for an upset stomach.
Contraindications
Despite the fact that the plant has many beneficial properties, it must be used with caution. This is especially true for the stronger sex, since the frequent use of medicines based on Goldenrod helps to suppress the production of the male hormone. In addition, the plant has a number of contraindications:
- allergic reactions;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- renal failure;
- high blood pressure;
- the presence of phosphate stones;
- heart failure.
Also, you should not use Goldenrod medicines for children under 14 years of age.
Planting and leaving
Common goldenrod is an unpretentious plant that does not require special care. Due to its beneficial properties and attractive appearance during flowering, many gardeners grow a plant on their site. This is pretty easy to do. However, before planting Goldenrod, you need to pay attention to the choice of location. It should be borne in mind that the plant grows rather quickly, and is capable of destroying other crops growing nearby.
There are 2 ways to plant Goldenrod: seeds and seedlings. In the second case, the container is filled with soil, on top of which the seeds are placed. The top of the container is tightened with a film. Store it in a warm and well-lit place. In open soil, seedlings can be planted both in spring and autumn. The distance between the bushes should be at least 0.4 m.
The plant is drought tolerant and therefore does not require frequent watering. It is enough to carry out such a procedure on too long hot and dry days.
In order for the plant to show its decorative properties to the maximum, it will take fertilizing 2 times a year. The first feeding is recommended in early spring, and the second – in the fall.
Common goldenrod is a useful plant. However, despite this, it can harm both other cultures and human health. That is why you should be careful with this plant.
