The goldenrod has been gone for a couple of weeks, but while it lasted, the fields were painted with gold even more brightly than usual, because of the summer rains. The genus name of this remarkable plant, Solidago, means “to make whole”; it been used as a healing herb since ancient times. The goldenrod market perked up when the plant was discovered growing in great plenty in the American colonies. The colonists cut and dried it, baled it, and shipped it to England, where it was sold in the apothecary shops. Pricey: Two ounces of goldenrod might fetch a gold crown.
Bot for Native Americans, goldenrod was free. It was a staple medicine, and since some two dozen species grow across the continent, nearly every tribe was within arm’s reach of at least one. Called “sun medicine,” it was used to treat everything from wounds and fevers to rheumatism and toothache. It was also used as a charm, smoked like tobacco, woven into baskets, burned as an incense, and made into a dye.
And if that’s not enough to convince you of the significance of this golden plant, consider this: Learning that goldenrod sap contained a natural latex, Thomas Edison, that relentless inventor, selectively bred the plant to increase its latex yield. He then produced a resilient, long-lasting rubber that Henry Ford made into a set of tires for his own personal automobile. Edison was still experimenting with his rubber when he died in 1931. His research was turned over to the U.S. government, which apparently found it of little importance, even when rubber became almost impossible to get during World War II. Goldenrod rubber. Fancy that.
It's turned cooler this week, finally, the leaves are blowing off the trees, and the cypress are beginning to flame. When they're fully ablaze, I'll post a photo. Bill has been taking down trees for next year's woodpile (and the year after that), and we've finished the garden cleanup.
I've been gadding about virtually (via my blog tour--have you been along for the ride?) and actually: gave a talk to some 200 folks at the Georgetown Library yesterday. Fun for me and good news for the library (this was a benefit fundraiser) and the Hill Country Bookstore--Margarite sold lots of books. Afterward, Bill and I treated ourselves to our favorite Oriental food buffet, then came home to watch a movie (I knitted a mitten.) Little things, full of pleasure.
Reading note. What a wonderful life I've had. I only wish I had realized it sooner.- Collette