Seriously. If you’re sneezing a lot lately, it might be because of Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), which releases clouds of tiny, swirling, airborne pollen from its inconspicuous green flowers all fall.
Meanwhile, Goldenrod (Solidago sp.), with its bright yellow flowers and its big, sticky, insect-dependent pollen, takes the blame.
So, it’s not a menace. It’s actually really pretty – but it’s still a weed, right?
Yes and no. True enough, you don’t really want some species of Solidago growing among your other ornamentals or vegetables. Some species, like Solidago altissima, the commonly seen Tall Goldenrod, can be quite aggressive with their interconnected underground rhizomes and their allelopathic discouragement of competition (a natural biochemical defense).
Nonetheless, these features combined with a tolerance for poor, dry soils make them ideal for naturalization in open fields, along roadsides, across areas that have been disturbed, and even in problem areas of the yard that could easily be turned into small pollinator gardens.
Tall Goldenrod isn’t just another pretty flower. It’s a Keystone species that supports entire ecosystems, starting with the underground root structure that helps prevent erosion, aerates soil, and retains moisture. Its allelopathic nature may even help discourage invasive plants from taking hold.
Tall Goldenrod attracts over 100 species of caterpillars and dozens of species-specific native bees, as well as other bees and pollinators that are less picky.
It also attracts other kinds of insects that come to eat the plant or make their homes in or on it. Still others, predators like spiders and Praying Mantis, show up for the buffet. In turn, the insects, the ground cover, and seeds attract birds and other wildlife.
Goldenrod is easy to propagate by division. A wide variety can also be had from commercial seed suppliers. Planted in mass, they can add beautiful color to your fall landscape.
Don’t forget to tune into WHEO Tuesday morning, Oct. 27, 8:30 to 9 a.m. with Patrick County Master Gardeners for more on native plants.
Find us on Facebook or contact us through https://patrickmastergardeners.org/.
