Species of the Week: Solidago Species AKA ‘Goldenrod’

You know it's late summer or early fall when you see the beautiful goldenrod plant gracing our yards. Depending on who you talk to, goldenrod could be considered a weed or a beloved wild flower. goldenrod's are blooming right now, showing off their beautiful end of season color to attract beneficial insect, butterflies, songbirds and small mammals. Depending on the variety, these native plants can start appearing in landscapes starting in July and bloom until November.

The species name stems from the Latin solido, which means "to make whole," and refers to the medicinal properties of the goldenrod. The properties of goldenrod are similar to many herbs: anti fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic to name a few. Also, the actions of the goldenrod's to the kidneys, urinary track, skin and cardiovascular system are impressive.

Another interesting fact about goldenrod is that they have unjustifiably blamed for pollen allergies caused by other plants, especially ragweed due to both flowers blooming around the same time and place. Goldenrod pollen is heavy and is not airborne. Ragweed relies on airborne pollination and goldenrod relies on insects for pollination.

This wild flower is hard to miss. Most goldenrod's range in height and width from three to four feet. They grow in dry, moist and even some poor soils. Solidago sempervirens is an important nectar source for migrating monarchs and other butterflies in coastal areas. Goldenrod is an ideal flower to plant in rain gardens and swales because it can tolerate rock salt used on roads in winter.

#flowers #Goldenrod #Species #Nature #Ecology #Environment #WildFlower