Goldenrod

Goldenrod is native to North America and has been used for centuries for its healing properties. The plant has astringent, anti-septic, and anti-inflammatory properties which can be used to heal wounds. Native Americans also used goldenrod for a variety of medicinal properties, including treatment to the kidney, digestive tract, and a relief from nausea and headaches.

Goldenrod seeds can be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, or directly outdoors after the last frost. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in the soil, and space plants 1 to 3 feet apart. Goldenrod requires full sun and is drought-resistant so should not be over-watered.

Harvest goldenrod when the flowers are bright yellow. If you wait too long, they start to look dull and dry into little puffs of seeds. They can still be used but the color will be less vibrant. Use scissors and clip the main stem just at the base of the flowers.

Fabric should be mordanted before dyeing with goldenrod.

The fresh or dried plants work well with bundle dyeing as well.

Dye concentrate recipe:

65 grams dried goldenrod

80 ounces water

Simmer mordanted fabric in dyestuff for 1 hour at 140° Fahrenheit.

Let fabric soak in dye bath for 24 hours at room temperature, then strain and rinse.

Sources:

Know Your Roots

Nathaniel Whitmore

Garden Design