Goldenrod (Solidago). There are more than 100 species of Goldenrod native here and there, throughout North America. A beautiful plant that I enjoy seeing along trails here in the mountains and in my gardens.

A misconception, Goldenrod does not cause hay fever. Goldenrod blooms have large, heavy and sticky pollen grains. Certainly not pollen grains that would be swept away by the wind.

Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia). One of the culprits which does produce hay fever. BEWARE.

A single plant of Ragweed can create a billion grains of pollen each season. And since it depends upon wind pollination, it must produce that much pollen to be successful.

There are 17 species of Ragweed in North America. This is another of them, Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida).

I think it’s sad and ironic that Goldenrod and Ragweed grow in the same environments. Ragweed blooms are green, drab, uninteresting, get little notice. Goldenrod blooms a lovely, brilliant yellow, and are quite eye catching. And since Goldenrod gets noticed and well remembered, it gets the blame for hay fever.

Please remember. Goldenrod does not contribute to hay fever.

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