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It's tough to be misunderstood and blamed for things you don't do. In the natural world, goldenrod is one plant that fits perfectly into this category. Ever since I can remember, I was told that goldenrod was the "bad guy." When in bloom, people said it caused hay fever, sneezing and watery eyes. It cropped up everywhere, and it looked like people weren't taking care of their lawns and gardens. Therefore, it was regarded as a nuisance weed. I've since learned these accusations are far from the truth.
Belonging to the aster family, goldenrod is a perennial herb. There are estimates of 100 to 120 species of goldenrod found in North America growing along roadsides, in meadows, forests, swamps, hillsides and almost anywhere there is sun and rainfall (www.softschools.com/facts/plants/goldenrod). In late August through September, the beautiful yellow clusters emerge and begin to overtake the montage of summer's green. This gradual takeover signals the end of one season and the coming of another.
I am always filled with mixed emotions when witnessing this golden transformation of the countryside. Being a warm weather lover, I feel a tug to my heart strings for the loss of summer, while secretly looking forward to the cooler temperatures and colors of autumn. But, now that I have a better awareness of the roles goldenrod plays in the bigger scheme of things, I am more accepting and in love with the plant.
Wrongly blamed by many, goldenrod does not cause hay fever, itchy eyes and runny noses. Its pollen is too heavy, moist and sticky to be carried by the wind. It travels from plant to plant by insects. So if you suffer from these aliments during the time it is in bloom, the culprit causing most of your problems is probably ragweed. Ragweed pollen is easily scattered by the wind (www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/goldenrod; Wernert, Susan J. North American Wildlife. 1982. Pleasantville, N.Y.).
Many think of goldenrod as a nuisance weed. It seems to grow anywhere and everywhere, especially in unkempt areas, making things look worse. It overtakes the countryside, appearing to squeeze out other native plants. These statements may contain a lot of truth, but another truth is that goldenrod plays a crucial role as a "late-summer feast for bees." Bees love goldenrod. Just take a walk along a trail lined with goldenrod this time of year, and you will agree. The blossoms will be teeming with all sorts of bees. By flowering late in the year and being so plentiful, the goldenrod provides an almost endless supply of nectar and pollen for these creatures before cold weather brings the killing frosts. In my book, any plant helping the bees survive is alright. Plus I've had goldenrod honey, and it is delicious!
While researching, I also learned that goldenrod belongs to the genus Solidago, which comes from the Latin root "solidare." Translated, "solidare" means "to make whole." Apparently, goldenrod was used as a wound healing drug and is sometimes referred to as "woundwort" (oldenrod). You just never know what is growing in that meadow.
I also came across some other cool facts about this sunny yellow plant in an article found online at www.softschools.com/facts/plants/goldenrod. For example, Thomas Edison used rubber extracted from goldenrod leaves to make tires for Henry Ford's Model T. Yellow dye was made from its flowers, and Native Americans chewed goldenrod leaves when they had a toothache. They also used the root for sore throat relief. Highly prized as a garden flower is Europe, goldenrod is cultivated and used in bouquets and flower arrangements.
Things are not always as they seem to be. So, as you enjoy the pleasant weather and take in the colors of fall, see if you can look goldenrod with fresh eyes and with a little more respect. See you on the trails!
Susan M. Songster Weaver is retired teacher, nature lover and longtime CWC volunteer and supporter. The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is a local not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the water quality, scenic beauty and ecological health of the lakes, streams, wetlands and watersheds of the Chautauqua region. For more information, call 664-2166 or visit www.chautauquawatershed.org or www.facebook.com/chautauquawatershed.