Folks, it’s time to have the conversation about goldenrod.

The goldenrods (Solidago spp) are starting to bloom on the roadside and in fields. With every glimpse of those bright yellow flowers, people with fall allergies are getting nervous. But don’t blame the flowers you see, for goldenrod is not the culprit. Those bright yellow flowers are there to attract insects because their pollen is too heavy to travel on the wind (and into your nose). Your allergies are caused by ragweed and grasses, plants whose non-descript flowers you will likely never see and whose lightweight pollen is carried on the breeze. ㅤ This one is anise-scented goldenrod (Solidago odora), named for the aromatic smell of its leaves when lightly crushed. While this one generally resembles the panicles of the aggressive roadside goldenrod (S. altissima), it is a shorter plant and a clumping species which doesn’t spread by roots. It also has smooth edges on the leaves (see arrow). . . . #nativeplants #nativeplantsofgeorgia #gardening #pollinatorplants #pollinatorgardening #nativehabitat #wildlifegardening #plants #georgia #gonative #spring