Do Have Goldenrod in Your Garden?

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In the video below, monarchs are fueling up on nectar from goldenrod, a vital and misunderstood native plant.

Plant goldenrod for #monarchs. Video by Pat Fowler & husband in Hawk Cliff area, Port Stanley, ON. Goldenrod is 1 of the few high-energy native nectar sources for monarchs & other pollinators in fall. Pollen is also an important protein source for many beneficial insects. pic.twitter.com/tiBjTXmp2v

— Deb (@ecoversed) September 13, 2019

Many gardeners mistake goldenrod for ragweed and remove it from their gardens and public spaces.  Allergy sufferers: Don't blame and obliterate the wrong plant! 

"There are 120 goldenrods species native to Canada and the US, and 8-9 species native to Mexico," according to John C. Semple, Professor Emeritus and Adjunct Professor at the University of Waterloo’s​ Astereae Lab.

How to Tell the Difference

According to Catskill Native Nursery (which specializes in nursery-propagated North American perennials, fruits, shrubs and trees):

"Goldenrod and ragweed like the same environment and bloom at exactly the same time, but the eye catching Goldenrod is a lot easier to see than the Plain Jane Ragweed.

Goldenrod pollen is actually very heavy and sticky and does not get moved around much in the wind. The plant has evolved to be pollinated by insects and that is why you see so many bees and butterflies covering the bright yellow flowers.

Ragweed has evolved to be pollinated by wind currents, and even a slight breeze will send off a cloud of its pollen through the air and into your face. Ragweed doesn't have to dangle any bling to get what it wants.

So enjoy the approximate 120 varieties of Goldenrod and whenever possible yank the prolific Ragweed, preferably before it goes into bloom."

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Take Action

Help protect the monarch migration from extinction.  Plant native nectar sources, like goldenrod, in your yard and community sites.  Other beneficial pollinators, many of which are experiencing population declines, will also benefit.  

Milkweed is the number one plant for monarchs as it is the only plant monarch caterpillars will eat. The blooms also provide nectar for adults.

Check out:

• Canadian Wildlife Federation 
• ​US: National Wildlife Federation

​​Please spread the word about goldenrod to your neighbours and others in your community.