Goldenrod

 

Solidago

Gemini

Intuition, Optimism

Goldenrod is the name for more than 100 species that is considered both a flower and a weed. It grows quickly, reaching its full height of from 1.5 to 5 feet tall in just a couple of months and spreads aggressively. Its yellow flowers grow in clusters and bloom in late summer to fall. Goldenrod attracts butterflies and bees.

Goldenrod is comfortable in many different growing conditions and prefers full sun for best flower producing conditions. It reproduces through rhizomes, horizontal plants roots, and by dispersing seeds in the wind. A plant produces some 3,000 seeds.   

Goldenrod blooms in late summer and folklore has the plant associated with seasonal allergies. Because it does not produce pollen (pollination is done by insects), it is not an allergen.   

Plants can grow up to 5 feet in height and some may need to be staked. This shows us that it's ok to accept support from those around us; we all need to stand independently and can "lean" on others from time to time. The height of the plant also suggests that it's reaching for the heavens, that those who enjoy goldenrod also have the ability to see further than those around them using intuition. The intense yellow of the flowers is reflective of the sun and the sunshine in our lives bringing us optimism. The plants spread aggressively, bringing us the idea that those people who are characteristically optimistic spread their optimism to others. People who wish to become more optimistic can reflect on the sunny nature of Goldenrod and plant Goldenrod in their garden. 

Goldenrod has the ability to easily reproduce itself through roots and the vast number of seeds dispersed by the wind. Reproduction through roots is symbolic of those people who put out feelers, or their intuition, to sense or feel others. Those who work with the elements can connect with the wind to work with and enhance their intuition. They can also use the "seeds" of their intuition to plant optimism or broader thinking in others. 

Goldenrod is native to North America and Europe and has spread to many other places. It is used medicinally to reduce pain and swelling and for some skin conditions. In Europe, it is used to treat urinary track inflammation. It can be used as a yellow dye.