They bloom through October and the heavy frost, provide food for insects of all kinds, and are often misunderstood. There are almost 150 varieties of goldenrod to be enjoyed. Their yellow blooms add a wonderful sunshine to a landscape that is heading into fall here in New England. They are an important final food source for the insects that feed off of them. It isn’t unusual to find fields of this plant growing together as they spread by rhizomes and seeds. Did you know that goldenrod was used in an herbal blend of “tea” after the Boston Tea Party dumped the English tea in the harbor? How about goldenrod tires? Goldenrod has latex in its leaves. This was thought to be an easy alternative to synthetic rubber.
Goldenrod is helpful with ragweed allergies. Often goldenrod is blamed for allergies, but it is really the tiny blooms and pollen of the ragweed plant that causes the issue. This plant also offers additional assistance with inflammation of many kinds, painful cramps, and so much more. Should not be used by those on lithium as will mess with the amount in your system.
Get outside and enjoy this beautiful, bright plant.
Resources:
The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Eastern Wildflowers
Comments