Solidago gigantea

Giant Goldenrod

Giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically reaches a growth height of up to 2 metres. It has a robust, upright stem covered with small, lance-shaped leaves. What is particularly striking about the Giant Goldenrod are its bright, yellow inflorescences, which flower from late summer into autumn. Each stem culminates in a pyramid of dense, golden-yellow flowers. These flowers attract a variety of insects, especially butterflies and bees, which feed on their nectar. Giant goldenrod can be found in a variety of habitats, from wetlands and banks of water bodies to open, sunny sites, and it thrives in many soil types.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

Giant goldenrod can grow quickly and form large dominant stands, suppressing native plants and reducing biodiversity. This is especially true for ruderal areas, but also for dry meadows and floodplain forests.

Economical damage

Giant goldenrod can overgrow pastures and reduce the nutritional value for grazing animals. It also has a negative impact on hay quality due to its high saponin content.

Region of origin

North America

Introduction vectors

Botanical gardens

Solidago gigantea was planted in the botanical gardens of Europe in the 19th century and probably spread from there.
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 gigantea has already filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It benefits from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will increase. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are soil type, road infrastructure, spring temperature, spring precipitation and winter temperature.

Positive effects

Similar to Canadian goldenrod, giant goldenrod also contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant active substances. It is traditionally used to support kidney function and as a diuretic. The plant may also play a role in the treatment of urinary tract infections and in the relief of inflammatory symptoms. The exact composition of its active ingredients and their potential health benefits are the subject of ongoing scientific research to optimise their therapeutic value in modern medicine.
Giant 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 gigantea 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.