Goldenrod

Goldenrod, Solidago spp.

A common fall wildflower, goldenrods can be found throughout North America. Of the over 100 species of goldenrod, about 50 species are located in North America. Each species, while similar in appearance, varies in height and habitat. Some are as tall as 1.8 m (6 ft) while other species hardly reach 30 cm (1 ft). A number of species can be found within prairies, but others prefer sandy soil, marshes, and bogs. Goldenrods are an important pollinator plant with bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, and flies relying on them for pollen while other insects reply on them for other needs as well. In the past, goldenrod has been used for medicinal purposes including treating tuberculosis, diabetes, arthritis, and gout. One particular species, Sweet Goldenrod, Solidago odora, was exported for licorice flavored tea in the nineteenth century and was the tea of choice for American Revolutionists.

More information on the historic role of goldenrod will come on my Sunday Google+ post.
Update: Post with additional information on Sweet Golden rod can be found here at the G+ post.