Ahh, we’re coming into my favorite time of year. Summer is winding down and autumn is approaching. September is a month of drastic change in the natural world. The noticeably shorter days are causing chlorophyll production to taper off exposing other pigments within leaves. Adult cicadas are approaching the end of their life cycle. Summer wildflowers are winding down their display leaving room for the asters to steal the spotlight.
Asters are a large family of plants that have petals arranged around a center like the rays of the sun. Late summer and through the fall is when the majority of asters bloom. Some of the most prominent asters are sunflowers and chrysanthemums which shine like brightly colored beacons.
But today, I want to focus on two other members of the aster family. One of them causes immeasurable suffering for millions. The other gets blamed for it. I am speaking of ragweed, so named for the ‘ragged’ edges of its leaves, and goldenrod, named for its showy display of golden plumes.
Both ragweed and goldenrod begin putting forth flowers towards the end of August and carry on through the month of October. Both grow in similar habitats— fields, meadows, and roadsides with the right amount of moisture. Both are prolific producers of pollen. That’s about where the similarities end.
Ragweed has inconspicuous green flowers. In fact, the entire plant is green allowing to blend in with its neighbors and escape notice. There are 17 species of ragweed that grow across the United States. Two of them are prevalent in Ohio, common ragweed and giant ragweed (which can grow up to 15 feet tall!).
A single ragweed plant can produce a billion grains of pollen each season. These pollen grains are light enough to be carried by the wind and can travel hundreds of miles. Once they are inhaled, they typically cause symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sore throat, and coughing. In severe cases, ragweed can cause rash, hives, and even flu-like symptoms including muscle aches and low-grade fever.
Goldenrod, on the other hand, produces heavy, sticky pollen that does not carry on the wind, meaning it is not a respiratory irritant. The pollen is distributed by insects. Because of its showy yellow blooms that erupt around the same time as ragweed, it takes much of the blame for fall hay fever.
Goldenrod is actually a highly prized plant. Its dried flowers are commonly used in autumn décor. It also produces a variety of natural dyes from deep golden tones to pastel yellow. Goldenrod seeds are highly nutritious and are sought after by overwintering birds. Humans can also use them as a survival food. More than 100 species of caterpillars consume goldenrod. Many pollinators, including several bee species, rely on goldenrod when summer flowers are no longer blooming. The nectar has a high sugar concentration.
There are at least 70-100 species of goldenrod that grow in North America, most of which are native. Around two dozen native goldenrods can be found in various parts of Ohio. Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), is the only species found in all 88 counties. It can grow up to 5 feet tall with pyramidal clusters of golden flowers. A species known as Ohio Goldenrod (Solidago ohioensis) was discovered in 1832 by botanist John L. Riddell. It thrives in the wetlands of Portage County.
So, if you are one of the millions affected by hay fever, my sympathies go out to you. But rest assured the beautiful golden plumes growing nearby are not the culprit. More than likely, it is a result of ragweed pollen carried on the breeze. Take heart in knowing that ragweed has a relatively short season and will be done spreading pollen in a few weeks.