Goldenrod is a plant that gets blamed for a lot, is under appreciated locally in its native habitat and yet is prized in some formal European gardens.
Goldenrod (Solidago altissima) is the tall yellow flower found this time of year in fields and fencerows and other uncultivated sites. It has pyramid shaped, large blooms, not at all like the traditional yellow flower petals that can be found on coreopsis and others.
Goldenrod gets blamed for many fall allergies, I believe, because we see its prodigious blooms laden with pollen. Experts tell us that those heavy yellow blooms are not the airborne pollens that give us so much grief. In many cases on the fence rows and ditches, look for the much less attractive ragweed. In fact, Giant ragweed is a common plant found right beside Goldenrod. Ragweed don’t stand out because their blooms aren’t colorful, and its pollen is small and windblown. Windblown…meaning that is what’s causing your allergy problems.
Goldenrods pollen is a boon for many insects this time of year. Study a bloom up close and you’ll see all kinds of bees and wasps utilizing it. Several kinds of wasps can be found on it. You should find the well-known European honeybee alongside a number of underappreciated native bees that utilize it.
Without getting too technical, pollen provides the protein to insects while nectar is their carbohydrates. And what a punch of protein Goldenrod provides.
But would it work in your landscape? Certainly could. Local author, Greg Grant, shared with me that during a trip to Europe visiting some wonderful and formal gardens, he found them using our native Goldenrod!
The first time I saw it away from its native prairie setting and used in a landscape was at the home of Dallas horticulturalist, Dale Groom. It was at the located behind some hedges that were across the front of his house. It was the largest, fullest Goldenrod bloom I’d ever seen.
Be forewarned, they are very, very easy to grow and can become invasive. Native Texas Plants author, Sally Wasowski, said that she is personally leery of using it after a bad experience. After scattering seed, and a vigorous run, it took about five years before it settled into a few key spots and stopped being a source of aggravation.
Indeed, Goldenrod is a perennial that can be divided and transplanted from mature clumps or started from seed. They prefer well-drained locations and full or nearly-full sun. They adapt to a wide range of growing situations and provide color, when few others are at their best.
IF you find yourself attracted to the idea of incorporating them into your landscape, look for varieties that tend to behave and stay where planted. Expect to work to keep them in their place as they become much more aggressive in a well-tended garden than in the ditches and abandoned fields we see them in every fall.
From East Texas bar ditches to a European Baron’s estate garden, the Goldenrod thrives but probably isn’t adding to your seasonal allergies.
I will be honest, I wasn’t sure how these would turn out. I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about pumpkin, for one thing, but I knew I like pumpkin pie and french toast, so I decided to try this recipe out!
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