Goldenrod

Description:

Solidago, commonly called goldenrods, is a genus of about 100 species of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae.[1] The many goldenrod species can be difficult to distinguish, due to their similar bright, golden yellow flower heads that bloom in late summer.

Habitat:

Edge of wooded area alongside a city maintained retention pond.

Notes:

Goldenrod is often unfairly blamed for causing hay fever in humans. The pollen causing these allergy problems is mainly produced by Ragweed (Ambrosia sp.), blooming at the same time as the goldenrod, but is wind-pollinated. Goldenrod pollen is too heavy and sticky to be blown far from the flowers, and is thus mainly pollinated by insects.[2] Frequent handling of goldenrod and other flowers, however, can cause allergic reactions, leading some florists to change occupation.[3] Parts of some goldenrods can be edible when cooked.[4] Goldenrods can be used for decoration and making tea. The Cherokee used a goldenrod tea for digestive ailments. The flowers are an excellent source of natural dye, yielding shades of yellow to yellow green.