Plant goldenrod with no worries about allergies (blame ragweed)

Q. Does goldenrod (Solidago spp.) cause hay fever?A. Goldenrods have been prized for years by British gardeners, but these true North American flowers are just beginning to gain acceptance by American gardeners, thanks to recent research about allergies. Contrary to popular belief, goldenrod does not produce hay fever. Its pollen is too heavy and sticky to be carried by the wind. Most hay fever is caused by the fine, light, dry pollen produced by the ragweed, a common weed blooming at the same time as goldenrod.While members of the genus Stolidago may look very similar at the outset, they are all quite different, in both features and behavior. In fact, over 20 species call Illinois home. When people picture goldenrod in autumn fields, chances are it is Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), a rambunctious plant with creeping rhizomes that can be quite invasive. However, there are many goldenrods that mind their manners, survive well, and send out rich-yellow plumes that provide fall color, as well as food for wildlife. Being natives, they survive our Chicago winters.Stiff goldenrod (Solidago rigida) and Showy goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) do well in sunny dry sites. For sunny wet sites, such as rain gardens, try Riddell's goldenrod (Solidago riddellii) and Rough goldenrod, (Solidago rugosa). Finally, Blue-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago caesia) Zigzag goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis) and Elm-leaved goldenrod (Solidago ulmifolia) will brighten up shady spots.Luckily, for urban dwellers with limited gardening space, goldenrods also can be grown quite successfully in containers. Goldenrods are extremely important to wildlife. Bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, flies, and others visit for nectar and pollen. Wasps, spiders, lacewings, beetles, and birds prey on the insects Goldenrod attracts. In fact, the Praying Mantis lay their eggs on Goldenrod so that their babies can feast on insects when they hatch. An autumn garden is not complete without several species of goldenrod swaying in the breeze.bull; Provided by Mary Boldan, Mary Moisand and Donna Siemro, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. Send questions to Ask a Master Gardener, c/o Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016, (847) 298-3502 or via e-mail to cookcountymg.com@gmail.com.