Negative and positive aspects of the presence of Canadian goldenrod in the environment

Abstract

Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) is classified as an invasive plant species in many Eurasian countries. The species shows a great ability to environmentally spread in a variety of habitats, anthropogenic ones included. Based on the literature data, the paper discusses the negative effects of the presence of S. canadensis in the environment, including the reduction of biodiversity in plants and some species of insects and insectivorous birds. The occurrence of goldenrod clusters also contributes to soil degradation. Positive aspects related to the presence of S. canadensis are also discussed in the paper. Goldenrod can be used in the phytoremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals and as an energy plant. Its extracts are effective in controlling the bloom of some algae in water reservoirs and in fighting fungal and bacterial diseases in plants. Goldenrod inflorescences’ abounding nectar allows for the efficient harvesting of honey. Both the inflorescences and the leaves of the plant are a valuable herbal raw material with a wide spectrum of activity, including its impact on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and yeasts. For these reasons, goldenrod deserves special attention in environmental research.

Element Cycling at Thermally Active Coal-Waste Dumps: A Case Study of Calamagrostis epigejos and Solidago canadensis

“…Also, some species appearing in burning coal-wasted dumps in Poland can accumulate concentrations of selected elements, which has been confirmed in numerous studies [42][43][44]. In the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, such plants include, e.g., Solidago canadensis-Canadian goldenrod [45,46] and Calamagrostis epigejos-wood small-reed [47,48]-dominant species in many dumps [24]. They are characterized by high ecological plasticity, a wide range of habitat and nutritional adaptations and the production of many light and volatile seeds that facilitate dispersal in extreme ecosystems such as smoldering coal-waste dumps [49].…”

Allelopathic Activity of Canadian Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) Extracts on Seed Germination and Growth of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and Garden Pepper Cress (Lepidium sativum L.)

“…In 2004, S. canadensis , together with 17 other plant species was recorded as an invasive weed in Lithuania [ 10 ]. Canadian goldenrod is considered to be one of the greatest threats to biodiversity and native species communities increasing the negative impact on natural ecosystems along with factors such as habitat degradation, change in landscape, pollution, exploitation and climate change [ 11 , 12 ].…”