The Nature of Things

The goldenrod along my back fence has been in bloom for weeks. It's almost finished now, but it has been a festival for the eyes and the bees this season. The heavy flower heads bend and sprawl toward the sun. It is, in truth, a rather unruly plant and yet there is a place for it in my garden. An out-of the way place where it doesn't bother anybody and the bees can easily find it. The goldenrod, or Solidago, is a member of the aster family. It is often unfairly blamed for causing hay fever, but goldenrod pollen is heavy and sticky and not easily blown by the wind. It is mainly pollinated by insects - the aforementioned bees and wasps in particular. The real hay fever culprit is ragweed which blooms at the same time and has pollen that is easily carried on the wind. Traditionally, goldenrod was used in herbal medicine. It was considered a kidney tonic that could be used to counter inflammation and irritation caused by bacterial infections or kidney stones. Native Americans also ...