The perennial plant goldenrod belongs to the family Asteraceae and the genus Solidago.
Some are flowering, while others are on the verge, and will continue their own bloom-fest in gardens and natural areas into the fall. While we often see the plant growing in drier areas, and can be seen along roadsides, it can be quite adaptable – and sometimes even too adaptable for some. While many might say it is just a weed, this showy native North American perennial can offer a lot to our landscapes. And always remember, a weed is simply a plant that is growing where you would rather it not be.
When in flower, these plants are a profusion of hundreds of small yellow blooms — well, there is a white blooming goldenrod too. Together they create wand-like clusters on arching branches. There is a cultivar called “fireworks” that literally resembles the striking display of its name, minus the noise.
Its botanical name, Solidago, is Latin for solidus, which means "to make whole." This description refers to the plant's healing and medicinal properties. Uses over the years have included healing wounds of the skin and treating inflammation of the mouth and throat, tuberculosis, diabetes, and arthritis. It has both diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Native Americans have used its leaves as a poultice for bee stings and have made tea with its flowers and leaves to reduce fever. During the American Revolution, goldenrod tea was made as a substitute for British tea.
Goldenrods are prolific nectar and pollen producers, and do an amazing job of supporting bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, and even beetles. Goldenrod produces high-quality pollen, rich in protein, fats, and minerals, and is critical for migratory insects like the monarch butterfly. There are numerous species of native bees that specialize in goldenrods and seek out this perennial plant specifically for their diet. It is also the host plant for several butterfly and moth larvae, including the wavy-lined emerald moth. The ailanthus webworm is also a common visitor we see this time of the year.
Next time you see a golden rod in bloom, take the time to watch the plant for a bit, and you may be surprised by the amount of insect activity — truly a gardeners’ entertainment!
But it is bigger than just that. In addition to hosting around 50 species of insects, including flies, moths, and midges, those insects are food for other insects and wildlife. Several birds feed on the seeds of goldenrod too.
While goldenrod is often blamed for seasonal allergies, this is simply misplaced blame. Its pollen grains are sticky, larger, and too heavy to be carried by wind, but rather moved around by insects. The actual culprit of allergies that occur this time of the year, and continue into the fall, is from another plant called ragweed, and just so happens to bloom at the same time as goldenrod. Ragweed flowers are small and not showy. In fact, you may not even notice them. Ragweed is wind pollinated, and one plant may produce millions of grains of pollen — achoo and bless you. This lightweight pollen can remain airborne for days and can wreak havoc with seasonal allergy sufferers. Do you suffer from ragweed allergies?
Thinking about adding some goldenrod to your landscape? With more than 100 species and even more cultivars of goldenrod, it is easy to find the right plant for the right place. Some goldenrods are spreaders - so beware when making your selections. Some goldenrods can tower over six feet tall, while others remain much smaller, in the 18 – 24 inch range.
With a growing interest in goldenrods, I happen to find a resource that you might be interested in too. Goldenrods of Northeast Ohio – A Field Guide to Identification and Natural History is an excellent resource. Information on how to purchase single or multiple copies can be found on the Cleveland Museum of Natural History at: https://www.cmnh.org/in-the-news/science-blog/july-2017/goldenrods-book-launches.
I would love to see pictures of your goldenrods and visitors to these plants too!
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