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Goldenroad for your garden
Mississippi Gardens Newspaper and Web Column - October 13, 2003

Mississippi has a wonderful array of wildflowers that brighten up our roadsides and natural areas throughout the year. Few, however, make as bold and beautiful a statement as much as our native Goldenrod (Solidago sp.). Its striking yellow blooms can turn an otherwise unkempt lot, field or pasture into a display of fall color that is refreshing to the soul and a feast for the eyes. Goldenrod should be greeted and celebrated with its own festival yet its arrival is mostly dreaded and its beauty maligned. This negative feeling for a very special wildflower is simply a case of misunderstanding.

A friend looked at my Goldenrod photo and quickly said, "Oh, Goldenrod is not my friend!" This may be the feeling of most people since it is common to think that Goldenrod is the cause of hay fever. However, this is simply not true. Yes, people can be allergic to Goldenrod but by far, the greater source of allergy-causing pollen comes from ragweed (Ambrosia sp.)

The pollen of Goldenrod is relatively heavy and not likely to become airborne. Pollinating insects are attracted to the color and nectar of the yellow blooms where they carry out the transfer of pollen. Ragweed, on the other hand, has very non-descript blooms and is dependent upon the wind to transfer its pollen from flower to flower. People are therefore more likely to come in contact with allergy causing ragweed pollen.

Goldenrod is a great addition to a wildflower garden or naturalistic meadow. It's yellow flowers look very nice in combination with other fall blooming wildflowers like Mist Flower (wild ageratum), False Liatris, Deer's Tongue, Ironweed and an assortment of native asters. These are not as widely distributed as Goldenrod but are found in various parts of Mississippi along roadsides, on creek banks, and in wooded areas and ditches.

Goldenrod may also be an integral part of perennial flower gardens. Consider using Goldenrod in combination with Salvias such as Mexican Sage and Indigo Spires, annuals like zinnia and cosmos that persist into fall, along with ornamental grasses such as Muhly or Miscanthus or even the rose-pink blooming Joe-Pye Weed.

There are relatively few plants that are as durable, attractive and low maintenance as Goldenrod. If you would like some for your garden find a source (get permission first) and divide it in the spring. Selected cultivars are also available from garden centers and mail order sources as cuttings or containerized plants. There are many types of Goldenrod and they don't all have the same mature height. Some grow to only 18 inches and others to as tall as 6 feet or more. When planting, remember that Goldenrod likes well-drained soil in full sun exposure.

Goldenrod is truly an outstanding Mississippi wildflower that we can both use and enjoy. Just remember its beauty is nothing to be sneezed at! Happy Gardening!

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These archived columns were written by Kerry Johnson, a hobby gardener, former weekly newspaper columnist and an Area Extension Horticulture Agent for 11 coastal counties in Mississippi.