Goldenrods

As I live quite a ways out of town, I drive past many fields, meadows, and pastures any time I get in the car to go, well, anywhere.

So, as I was driving to church this past Sunday, I was driving past one of those numerous fields. As each season gives me different views with nature’s ever changing scenery, I never get bored with the view.

Yet, this Sunday, I was once again taken aback by the simple beauty of pastures draped with golden flowers, as their heads danced to and fro in the wind. It is the beginning of autumn, and Goldenrod has returned.

This wildflower has suffered from bad press and malicious rumors through the years. There is that mistaken belief that this American golden flower is the culprit when it comes to hay fever. Well, please be rest assured, this is not the case.

The hay fever inducer is probably ragweed, which blooms at the same time, and is wind pollinated, which means its flowers are easily blown through the wind, whereas Goldenrod’s flowers are simply too heavy to be blown by wind.

There are over 100 different species of Goldenrods that exist in the wild, an amazing number, if you stop to think about that. This is due in large part because different species easily cross pollinate with each other, creating new and different flowers.

Goldenrods are strong stemmed plants, with some species growing up to six feet in height. They are easily recognized this time of year by their long singular stems with literally hundreds of separate small flower buds, or capitulas, creating a magnificent yellow display. They make wonderful cut flowers, and I often have some in my house throughout the fall season.

Through the past several years, gardeners have been able to buy many cultivars of Goldenrod that are better suited for smaller garden beds. These varieties do not have the height that the species found in the wild often do, instead only growing to around two to three feet in height, making it ideal for a spot in your garden. Several nurseries and garden stores offer these smaller goldenrods.

Disambiguation, as Goldenrod is known by its Latin name, is quite simple to grow. They enjoy full sun, and are quite tolerant of the heat and drought. They can be propagated by seed or by underground rhizomes, and are easy to divide during the spring or late fall.

Not only is Goldenrod beautiful to look at, it also offers a wide range of benefits throughout nature. Indeed, bees, birds, butterflies, and other insects are attracted to it for food. Along with that, Goldenrod also can be used for tea and for herbal medicines.

Next time you see this golden beauty along the side of the road, don’t dismiss it as an allergy causer. Instead, recognize it not only for its bright and attractive flowers, but for everything else it “brings to our table.” Enjoy!