This note and photos were submitted by Barbara L. Rafaill
Author’s Note: To inform the residents and guests of Cobmoosa Shores about the native plants and animals, and the ecosystems characterizing our acreage, we will publish a “Nature Note” approximately once a month throughout the year in addition to organizing occasional nature walks during the summer months. We hope you will find these enjoyable as well as educational. You can provide feedback about these efforts by using the Contact Form found on the CSA website.
Author’s Note: To inform the residents and guests of Cobmoosa Shores about the native plants and animals, and the ecosystems characterizing our acreage, we will publish a “Nature Note” approximately once a month throughout the year in addition to organizing occasional nature walks during the summer months. We hope you will find these enjoyable as well as educational. You can provide feedback about these efforts by using the Contact Form found on the CSA website.
I begin this Nature Note with a very important message: Goldenrods do not cause hay fever! But, you say, “everyone” says their pollen is notorious for ruining your outdoor life. Sorry, they are all incorrect. The pollen of goldenrods (genus Solidago in the family Asteraceae) is too heavy to be carried far by the wind and is dispersed mainly by insects.
One herbaceous plant that does cause hay fever is ragweed in the Genus Ambrosia (family Asteraceae). This plant blooms at the same time of the year as the goldenrods and produces copious amounts of wind-dispersed pollen.
One herbaceous plant that does cause hay fever is ragweed in the Genus Ambrosia (family Asteraceae). This plant blooms at the same time of the year as the goldenrods and produces copious amounts of wind-dispersed pollen.
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There are 23 species of goldenrod in Michigan. Goldenrods produce showy yellow flowers, can be found in a variety of habitats, e.g. prairies, woods, roadsides, riverbanks, and provide great landscaping options. On the other hand, ragweed is quite unattractive and produces inconspicuous flowers. There are three species of ragweed known in Michigan.
If you want to plant your garden or landscape your yard with some hardy native plants, the genus Solidago is a group to consider. Goldenrods are herbaceous perennials and display small yellow flowers in various arrangements depending upon the species. Inflorescences of these species begin appearing in mid-to-late summer and continue through mid-fall. There are goldenrods suited to sun, shade, moist, or dry sites, and because they are native, they require minimum care when planted for landscaping. Some are tall and bushy while others are more delicate so you can use them to fill in your more formal gardens, as a border, or even as a foundation planting.
The roadsides, woods, dunes, lakeshores, and streamsides in Cobmoosa Shores and the surrounding area support many species of goldenrods. Along with the fall asters, goldenrods along the roadsides in Cobmoosa come alive with color in mid-August through September. Try a “no mow” practice along the roadside edges and native plants such as these will thrive and prevent the non-native “weeds” from getting started, as well as undesirable natives such as common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia).
By becoming informed about native plants, you can better share in preserving the natural habitats in Cobmoosa Shores. Thank you for your help in making this happen.
Photo credits: Solidago in yard, Barbara L. Rafaill; Ambrosia, R. W. Smith; Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Wikipedia; Solidago caesia, A. A. Reznicek, Solidago altissima, R. W. Smith
If you want to plant your garden or landscape your yard with some hardy native plants, the genus Solidago is a group to consider. Goldenrods are herbaceous perennials and display small yellow flowers in various arrangements depending upon the species. Inflorescences of these species begin appearing in mid-to-late summer and continue through mid-fall. There are goldenrods suited to sun, shade, moist, or dry sites, and because they are native, they require minimum care when planted for landscaping. Some are tall and bushy while others are more delicate so you can use them to fill in your more formal gardens, as a border, or even as a foundation planting.
The roadsides, woods, dunes, lakeshores, and streamsides in Cobmoosa Shores and the surrounding area support many species of goldenrods. Along with the fall asters, goldenrods along the roadsides in Cobmoosa come alive with color in mid-August through September. Try a “no mow” practice along the roadside edges and native plants such as these will thrive and prevent the non-native “weeds” from getting started, as well as undesirable natives such as common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia).
By becoming informed about native plants, you can better share in preserving the natural habitats in Cobmoosa Shores. Thank you for your help in making this happen.
Photo credits: Solidago in yard, Barbara L. Rafaill; Ambrosia, R. W. Smith; Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Wikipedia; Solidago caesia, A. A. Reznicek, Solidago altissima, R. W. Smith
