Common Name: Flat-Topped Goldenrod

General Information

Euthamia graminifolia is an erect perennial plant with creeping rhizomes; it can grow around 30 - 150cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.
This plant has become a weed in its natural range and can be invasive under cultivation[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

N. America - British Columbia and Northwest Territories east to Quebec, south through eastern and central N. America to New Mexico and South Carolina

Habitat

Open fields, lake shores, and vacant lots; at elevations from sea level to 900 metres[]. Damp to dryish shores, thickets and meadows[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Euthamia graminifolia is a very cold-hardy species, tolerating winter temperatures as low as -35°c[].
Succeeds in any moderately fertile moisture retentive soil in sun or semi-shade[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils.
A rather greedy plant, it is apt to impoverish the soil[].
The plant attracts various beneficial insects such as ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies to the garden, these insects will help to control insect pests in the garden[, ].

Edible Uses

The fresh or dried leaves are a tea substitute[].

Medicinal

Antiseptic. An infusion of the dried powdered herb can be used[].

A decoction of the root has been used in the treatment of chest pains and lung problems[].

An infusion of the blossoms has been used in the treatment of some types of fevers[].

Other Uses

Mustard, orange and brown dyes can be obtained from the whole plant[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed and do not allow the compost to become dry. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on for their first winter in pots. Plant them out into their permanent positions in spring or early summer.
Division in spring or autumn. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.