90 
SOLIDAGO VIRGAUREA. 
The root of this plant consists of long, simple fibres > the stem 
varies in height from one to three feet, somewhat curved at the 
lower part, then rising erect, slightly zigzag, angular, striated, solid, 
and somewhat downy ; the radical leaves are obovate, serrated, on 
winged petioles, deep green on the upper surface, pale beneath, and 
clothed with rigid down; the stem leaves are smaller, narrower, 
more entire, and are placed alternate ; the flowers are yellow, in 
terminal and axillary erect clusters, forming a close panicle, with 
lanceolate, downy bracteas ; the calyx is formed of membranous 
scales, with a downy border ; the florets of the radius are from 
five to ten, three-toothed, spreading ; those of the disc are numerous, 
tubular, and cut into five equal segments at the apex; the filaments 
are capillary, and the anthers united into a cylindrical tube ; the 
seeds are ovate, pubescent, and the pappus rough. 
Sensible Qualities, &c. The recent plant has a slightly 
aromatic odour; when bruised the smell is somewhat more powerful ; 
the taste is somewhat aromatic and astringent; boiling water extracts 
the active matter of the herb ; the watery infusion strikes black 
with sulphate of iron, and changes to green the colour of syrup of 
violets. 
Medical Properties and Uses. Golden rod was formerly 
held in great repute as a lithontriptie, and in diseases of the urinary 
bladder. From its astringent quality, it may be of some use in a 
debihtated state of the viscera. It has been employed with consi- 
derable advantage in diarrhoea ; but like many of our indigenous 
plants, it is now totally disregarded.* 
The dose of the powdered herb may be from ten to sixty grains, 
in any proper vehicle, three times a day. 
Off". The Flowers and Leaves. 
* We are told by Gerarde, that be has known the dry herb fetch 2s. 6d. an ounce, 
so great was the estimation in which it was held previous to its discovery io the neigh- 
boarhood of London. - - 
