Signs of Fall #3

I know what you're thinking, "Oh No! Not Ragweed!"

No, it's not ragweed. It's Goldenrod (Solidago), a completely different plant. The appearance of fields of goldenrod, a beautiful perennial herb that is usually about 2-3 feet tall, signals the end of summer.

Just about every insect with an interest in flowers may by found on goldenrod in autumn. The predators of those insects will be found there also.

Goldenrod gets mistakenly blamed for the agonies of hay fever sufferers in autumn. It blooms at the same time as ragweeds (Ambrosia sp.), which are the real culprit. Ragweeds are pollinated by the wind. People suffering from allergies in September look for a flower to blame and goldenrod gets the rap because it is so visible and abundant.
Goldenrod is the state flower of Kentucky and Nebraska.

PS...Happy W/E, everyone....