Goldenrod should be treasured not reviled (it’s not making you sneeze)

Golden rod is a great plant for a host of pollinators and other insects. Photos by Doug Oster Tribune Review

The bright yellow airy blooms of goldenrod sway in the fall breeze at just about every turn. To some it’s considered a weed, but more and more people are understanding value of this pretty native.

There’s a common misconception that it caused hay fever. Actually goldenrod has heavy pollen that doesn’t cause allergies, the culprit is usually ragweed.

Goldenrod is a great source of nectar and pollen which helps many insects. Butterflies, honeybees, bumblebees, wasps and many others will visit the flowers while foraging.

It’s also a great garden plant. The native wild varieties are fine for my garden, but if you want something truly bred for the landscape there are many cultivars on the market. ‘Fireworks,’ ‘Golden Fleece’ and ‘Goldrush’ are just a few.

Goldenrod is an indestructible, beautiful late bloomer that helps pollinators. There’s great joy to be found in watching the insects cover the luminescent yellow blooms.