Goldenrod attracts pollinators and provides nectar to adult monarch butterflies.

For years goldenrod has been blamed for causing allergies and hay fever. However, it simply isn’t true. Goldenrod relies entirely on animal pollination. Its sticky pollen is too heavy to be carried by wind. The mostly likely culprits of these seasonal allergies are ragweed and other grasses. With inconspicuous blooms, the flowers of these plants often go unnoticed while goldenrod takes the heat.

The bright yellow flowers of goldenrod are hard to miss in the late summer and early fall. They are attractive to many insects and pollinators like butterflies, bees, beetles, flies and wasps. While milkweed is the primary host of monarch caterpillars, adult monarch butterflies source nectar from a variety of flowers, including goldenrod. Goldenrod serves as an important food source for monarch butterflies as they migrate south for the winter. After the golden blooms have faded, birds and other wildlife will feed on the seed heads throughout the winter months.

Goldenrod belongs to the Asteraceae family, which also includes sunflowers, chrysanthemums and zinnias. This is one of the largest plant families, containing thousands of plants. There are a number of different species of goldenrods, and each have several common names as well. Goldenrods prefer full sun and can tolerate a range of soil types. They usually have a central stem with simple, linear shaped leaves and grow 2-6 feet tall. Flowers are branching or panicle-like. Blooms can last up to three weeks.

Goldenrods are perennial, meaning they will come back year after year. They propagate by seeds and rhizomes. Sometimes large dense clusters of goldenrod plants will form. If you are adding native goldenrod to your landscape, consider an area with plenty of space that can accommodate the spread. Several ornamental varieties of goldenrods can be purchased and tend to remain more compact. These make a great addition if you are looking to attract more pollinators or simply add fall color to your landscape.

The bright yellow flowers of goldenrod are easy to spot and are branching or panicle-like. Photos by Mariah Simoneaux