In Defense of Goldenrod
Fall is a beautiful time of year to be outdoors, but unfortunately for many people it is also a time where seasonal allergies flare up. Goldenrods (Solidago spp.), which brighten up the autumn landscape with their yellow flowers, have been unfairly attributed to “hay fever”. We are happy to tell you that planting goldenrod in your yard will not make your allergies worse (unless you stuff your face into the flowers)! The main culprit of fall allergies is Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), a weedy (but native) plant that blooms at the same time as goldenrod. Below are two pictures:
Because Ragweed is wind-pollinated, it produces large amounts of very small sized pollen grains so that the wind can carry and disperse the pollen with ease. Goldenrods, however, are insect pollinated so the grains that they produce are relatively large and heavy, and will not travel great distances through the air. Being insect pollinated also means that they don’t need to produce as much pollen.
In addition to the beautiful colors that Goldenrods provide, they are also extremely beneficial to wildlife and are considered “Keystone Species”. Keystone plants are species that are of great importance to wildlife. They are a late-season pollen and nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Monarchs will use them as a food source as they migrate south for the winter. It is the larval host for many caterpillars, and 115 different species have been documented feeding on goldenrods. The seeds provide a fall and winter food source for many birds.
Liven up your landscape and the environment by planting goldenrod!
