Why We Sneeze

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Why We Sneeze

one of the 22 native goldenrod species that bloom june-october in Missouri. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

Are you blaming those late summer blooming yellow flowers for your allergies? Are you sure you're blaming the right yellow flowers?

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) and ragweed (Ambrosia spp.) are often confused due to their similar late summer to fall blooming times. Although both have small yellow flowers, they are quite different in appearance, growing conditions, and allergy impacts.

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.):

  • Appearance: Goldenrod has tall, upright stems with showy, bright yellow flowers arranged in dense clusters along the tops of the stems. The leaves are long, narrow, and alternately arranged. 

  • Growing Conditions: Goldenrod thrives in sunny, open areas like meadows, prairies, and roadsides.

  • It’s a hardy plant and tolerates various soil conditions, preferring well-drained, slightly dry soils.

  • Pollination: Goldenrod is pollinated by insects, including bees and butterflies, making it a beneficial plant for pollinators.

  • Its pollen is heavy and sticky, not easily airborne.

  • Allergies: Goldenrod pollen is not distributed by wind so its not the cause of allergies.

  • It is, however, often blamed for allergies and often removed from landscapes.

ragweed produces high pollen levels later summer and fall. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

Ragweed (Ambrosia spp.):

  • Appearance: Ragweed is more inconspicuous, with green, spiky flowers and finely divided, fern-like leaves. I

  • t’s not as showy as goldenrod and appears weedy.

  • Growing Conditions: Ragweed is often found in disturbed soils, along roadsides, fields, and waste areas.

  • It thrives in sunny locations and is considered a highly invasive weed in many areas.

  • Pollination: Ragweed is wind-pollinated, meaning its pollen is light and easily carried through the air.

  • Allergies: Ragweed is the major culprit of fall allergies.

  • Its pollen is highly allergenic and responsible for hay fever and other respiratory issues.

So stop pulling Goldenrod, those pretty yellow native flowers that feed bees and pollinators. It's ragweed that is aggravating your allergies, not Goldenrod!

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Charlotte