Goldenrod versus Ragweed Goldenrod versus Ragweed One of my favorite wildflowers is the American Goldenrod. In August and September the warm gold of its blossoms greets my eye, like wide slashes of yellow paint applied to the green of the fields. There are over 100 different species of Goldenrod, some with almost pure white flowers. Each flower is small but they make up a mass that shows well. It is a favorite of both butterflies and bees and you will see them in abundance, harvesting their dinner of nectar from the blossoms. Goldenrod species, Solidago, makes an excellent tea. Unlike tea made from Camellia sinensis, Solidago has no caffeine. According to the medical journals is may have some diuretic properties, but other than that, it is simply a pleasant greenish tea. When our country was going through a boycott against the China Tea Trade and the taxes on that product, many of the Colonials drank Solidago Tea instead. Goldenrod has gotten a bad rap because it blooms at the same time as Ragweed. Since one plants has lovely showy flowers, and the others are nearly invisible grey green, guess which one is blamed for seasonal allergies? They grow in similar environments. Both like full sun, the edges of roads, and waste places. But make no mistake, its ragweed that is causing your eyes to run and nose to sneeze. Ragweed is also a native North American plant. Some of its species are short, only a foot tall, whereas others tower up to 8 feet tall. You will know it from its many lobed leaves, each with deep, finger like serrations. Goldenrod has many single leaves, most about 4 inches long, and long and slim. Ragweed causes trouble because of its pollen. Where many plants have heavy or sticky pollen, that of Ragweed is round and, under the microscope, is shown to have many small spikes, almost like a World War Two anti-ship mine. The Ragweed pollen is very light, and easily blown by the wind. The shape causes it to be extra-irritating to the lining of our noses. When we inhale the pollen, our noses produce mucus to try to expel the pollen. As well, we sneeze. A perfect example of what causes summer allergies. Besides taking allergy medicine, you can get rid of Ragweed in your yard and environment. The easiest way to remove it is to pull it up when it is young. Look for the leaves growing anywhere in full sun. Even if the plants are older, pull them up before they can go to seed and leave a legacy of more plants for next summer. Across the open fields of Northwest Park you will see the bright splashes of yellow that are Goldenrod. Enjoy!
Posted on: Sat, 29 Nov 2014 14:40:35 +0000
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