Tall Goldenrod (Solidago Altissima)
South Carolina’s State Wildflower
Story and photos
by Tina Schell
54
I
f you were asked what plant was used by Native Americans to make tea,
heal wounds, ease stomach cramps and dye cotton, wool, linen and silk,
what would be your guess? Chances are it would be quite a while before
you would land on the correct answer, goldenrod. In fact, South Carolina’s
Native Americans named the plant “Sun Medicine” because of its bright color and
healing properties. Its Latin name “Solidago” means “to make whole,” also a nod to
its healing tradition.
In 2003, the plant—much maligned for the allergies and hay fever it is widely
believed to cause—was named the state wildflower. In fact, those ailments are
caused by ragweed, which looks similar and also blooms in the fall. In comparison,
Naturally Kiawah