Solidago canadensis

Canada Goldenrod

The Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) is a perennial herbaceous plant that originated in North America and is now found in many parts of the world. It typically reaches a height of 0.6 to 1.5 metres and has a distinctive taproot that helps the plant to establish itself in different soil types. The stems are mostly erect and unbranched, with small, lance-shaped leaves along the entire length. The flowers are golden yellow and arranged in panicles that bloom in late summer to autumn, giving the plants a characteristic, bright appearance. Canada goldenrod prefers open, sunny sites and is often found in meadows, along roadsides and in disturbed areas.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

Canada goldenrod, through its rapid spread and dense growth, can suppress native plant species and reduce the available habitat for other species, especially in ruderal areas, along paths and railway lines. It can also form hybrids with the locally endangered native European goldenrod.

Region of origin

North America

Introduction vectors

Horticulture

Canada goldenrod was introduced as an ornamental plant and was popular as a bee plant due to its late flowering.
Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The daisy family (Asteraceae), also known as Asteraceae or Compositae, is one of the largest plant families with more than 23,000 species in about 1,620 genera. A distinguishing feature is their complex inflorescence, which consists of many small individual flowers forming a "basket". This family is globally distributed and contains species ranging from annual plants to perennial shrubs and trees. Well-known representatives are the sunflower, daisy, dandelion and many species of chrysanthemum. Many asteraceae are important for honey production, and some, such as artichoke and endive, are important crops.

Climate change

Solidago canadensis has already filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It does not benefit from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will become smaller. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are soil type, road infrastructure, altitude, summer temperature and rail infrastructure.

Positive effects

Solidago canadensis contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents. Therefore, it is often used to treat urinary tract infections and prevent kidney stones. In addition to promoting urination, its ingredients can also help with inflammation and pain. The exact mode of action and potential side effects continue to be studied to better understand their therapeutic use. There are also promising studies in cancer research on the effectiveness of Canadian goldenrod ingredients against tumour growth.
Canada goldenrod can also flower until late October, providing food for bees and other insects when many other nectar and pollen plants have already faded.

Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Solidago canadensis where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here .

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.