Do you know the difference?

In late summer, we see those tall yellow spikes of yellow that show the goldenrod is in bloom.  It’s a really pretty flower.  Florists use some of the approximately 150 species in their decorations.  They are related to Asters.

Spiky goldenrod leaves grow off of the entire stem which can be up to 4’ tall.  The stalks tend to sway in the breeze.

There is also another plant in bloom at the same time.  But this plant – the ragweed – really isn’t very noticeable.  Even the “flowers” are green.

Around the same time many people start to have allergy flare-ups.  They may have been told that they’re allergic to ragweed but somehow they blame the goldenrod.

In fact, many people think that goldenrod IS ragweed.

The issue is that people aren’t familiar with both plants.

Goldenrod is a tall plant that is rarely found in gardens.  Because it is seldom cultivated, people consider it a weed.  Since most people think weeds are bad, they put goldenrod in that category.

Ragweed is also tall but looks completely different.  There are about 50 varieties and are related to the Artemisia.

The plant is more rigid than goldenrod.  It has a central stalk with multi-lobed leaves.  The plant produces tall stalks with small burr-like nodules.  These produce the pollen.

Please leave the goldenrod and pull out any ragweed plants.  Your nose will thank you.