Sweet Goldenrod / Mountain Tea (Solidago odora)

Family: Asteraceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

An upright native perennial with slender stems, unlobed narrow leaves dotted with translucent oil glands that release a magnificent anise or licorice aroma when rubbed, topped by one-sided pyramidal sprays of golden-yellow flowers in late summer.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Sweet, clean, intensely aromatic licorice and anise flavor with warm herbal and fennel undertones — Leaves and yellow flower clusters gathered on sunny afternoons and dried in the shade for premium wild tea; Steeped for 5-7 minutes into "Liberty Tea"—the primary patriotic tea substitute after the Boston Tea Party of 1773; Leaves infused into simple syrup to create an anise-sweet botanical cocktail and soda cordial; Fresh flowers sprinkled as a bright licorice-scented garnish over salads and grain bowls

Habitat & North American Range

Dry sandy pine barrens, sunny woodland edges, rocky ridges, and old fields. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)