In August, goldenrod begins its magnificent display, adding splashes of yellow to green fields. There are over 100 different species of goldenrod in North America, each more magnificent than the next and just as attractive to pollinators. This powerful native wildflower from the daisy family is a food source for bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, beetles and more. It is also the host plant of the Wave-bordered Emerald butterfly.
According to Penn State Extension, “The botanical name Solidago is Latin for solidus, meaning ‘to heal.’ This refers to the plant’s healing and medicinal properties. It is used to heal skin wounds and treat inflammation of the mouth and throat, tuberculosis, diabetes, and arthritis. It has diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Native Americans have used its leaves as a poultice for bee stings and made tea from its flowers and leaves to reduce fevers. During the American Revolution, goldenrod tea was made as a substitute for British tea.”
Many, many people believe that goldenrods are responsible for hay fever, the seasonal allergy that makes people run indoors and hate fall. However, like many things in nature, this is a myth, as goldenrods have dense, sticky, and large pollen grains. Goldenrods are pollinated by insects, including 11 specialized native bees that feed exclusively on goldenrods.
Hay fever is caused by a plant called ragweed. Although goldenrod and ragweed can grow together or in similar locations, they are very different. Ragweed is pollinated by the wind. Ragweed pollen is fine and dust-like and can easily be carried through the air by the wind for long distances. If this ragweed pollen comes into contact with the nasal passages of an allergic person, you need to be careful because it will cause sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. According to Clemson University, “a single ragweed plant can produce over a billion pollen grains.” Imagine that! No wonder people get terrible allergies from it.
Goldenrods are not only beautiful, but they are also vital for our beloved monarch butterflies as they pass through to Mexico. Goldenrods provide high-quality pollen that is rich in everything migrating monarch butterflies need – proteins, fats and minerals that give the butterflies energy on their long journey south.
Another misconception about goldenrods is that you can’t plant them in your home garden or yard because they will spread. While this is true for some species, there are many, many others that do well and add a fabulous splash of golden color to the landscape long after the summer flowers have stopped blooming. Combine them with the purple flowers of one of our native asters or verbena and you will be treated to a spectacular display for weeks.
Mother Nature plants in the fall, and so can you. Fall is a great time to plant because it allows young plants to develop a strong root system before the next spring. With more than 100 species to choose from, I guarantee there is a species for you. Some species that are great for a container or home garden include:
- Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)
- Anise goldenrod (Solidago chilensis)
- Prairie goldenrod (Solidago caesia)
- Fireworks Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’)
- Magnificent goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)
- Wrinkle-leaf goldenrod (Solidago rugosa)
- Old field goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis.)
No matter which species you choose, you can’t go wrong. Enjoy the show and the wonderful insect collection you will visit.
This article is part of Conserving Carolina’s Living space at home Series of seasonal tips on how to make your home and garden a blooming place of nature.