I cringe whenever I hear people blame this beautiful flower for their Hay Fever problems. Nothing could be further from the truth however. These gorgeous inflorescences seem to be guilty until proven innocent. Most likely, because they blossom at about the same time as the real villain, ragweed, a nondescript summer perennial. In my opinion, goldenrod has been defamed by being labeled as a significant pollen polluter. However, as you can see in my first picture, goldenrod is pollinated by bees and other insects. On the other hand, ragweed is pollinated by the wind which is the reason we all suffer congestion and stuffy noses in the Dog Days of Summer. So don’t worry about stopping to smell the goldenrod and getting a closer view of these intricate lovelies.
According to The Herbarium, University of Michigan (http://michiganflora.net/genus.aspx?id=Solidago) there are over 20 species of Solidago in Michigan and they are native in most every state. I have identified 3 or 4 different species in Gallup Park and I feel like taking a new picture every time I see them.
Photo by Stewart Nelson, 2017, some rights reserved ©
But wait! There’s more!
According to the august medical journal, the Herbal Academy, (https://theherbalacademy.com/health-benefits-of-goldenrod/) the properties of goldenrod are similar to many other herbs: antifungal, diuretic, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, astringent, antiseptic, and carminative. However, the actions of goldenrod to the kidneys, urinary track, skin, allergies, and cardiovascular system are impressive.
For those of you who don’t recognize the word, carminative, a carminative is an herbal preparation to prevent gas in the GI tract or facilitate the expulsion of said gas combating flatulence. You have been warned!
Photo by Stewart Nelson, 2017, some rights reserved ©