Solidago odora

Easily identified by its leaves which often are reflexed (pointing downward), covered with punctate glands visible when held up to the light, and the strong smell of anise when crushed.

Seeds germinate in warm soil. Germination is improved by storing seeds outdoors during the winter, indicating that stratification would also work (Nichols 1934). Propagation by seed is best and fresh seed germinates easily. Steffen (1979) recommends cold/moist stratification, possiably due to dormancy induced by long term storage. Seeds average approximately 3,100,000/lb.

The following information is for the genus Solidago with notation that available records are concentrated in the East: Animals that eat the plant: White-tailed deer. Animals that eat its leaves: Greater prairie chicken, Beaver, Eastern cottontail rabbit, Mearns cottontail rabbit, Swamp rabbit. Animals that eat its seeds: Common goldfinch, Junco, Swamp sparrow, Tree sparrow, Animals that eat its seeds and leaves: Meadow mouse, Pine mouse, Wood rat (Martin et al. 1951). Cattle occasionally graze young growth.

The most common goldenrod on the southern pine range and present in Louisiana's upland prairies. It is found primarily on dry sandy sites. Plant height is dependent on competition with plants reaching 5 feet in open plant communities and as little as 2 feet in dense grass. The leaves of fragrant goldenrod are anise scented and may be used to make an anise flavored tea. All of the goldenrods were called "verge d'or" by the Acadians of south Louisiana (Holmes 1990).

Open moist sandy places, woodlands, roadbanks, prairies and savannas.