Many people suffer from allergies in mid- to late-summer, but few know exactly what causes them. Goldenrod, a prolific flowering plant with masses of golden flowers, is often blamed for the itchy eyes, runny nose, and other symptoms that many of us suffer from during summer allergy season.
How do you identify goldenrod?
Goldenrod has
some toxic look-alikes
, some fellow members of the aster family do have yellow flowers and can be deadly poisonous. Potentially lethal toxic wild plants with at least somewhat similar yellow flowers include: wild parsnips, groundsel, and ragwort.
How can you tell the difference between ragweed and goldenrod?
Their stems and leaves are dramatically different – Golden Rod has a single stem with some branches at the top, whereas
Ragweed has many branches
from the bottom of the plant all the way to the top. Goldenrod has single leaves and Ragweed has lobed or dissected leaves.
What does a ragweed bloom look like?
Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) can stand anywhere from a few inches high to 6 feet tall. It grows in tall, vertical tendrils with leaves divided into many fine lobes. When it flowers, rows of characteristic off-white blooms that look like
upside-down tea cups
appear.
What other plants look like goldenrod?
Groundsel, ragwort
Should I deadhead my goldenrod?
Deadhead.
Cutting off flower heads of goldenrod before they go to
seed keeps the plant blooming well and looking tidy. This will also keep goldenrod from reseeding, if you want to keep new plants to a minimum.
What does a ragweed allergy feel like?
Ragweed causes symptoms like
stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes
. It can also trigger asthma flares. People who have ragweed allergies are reacting to its pollen. During ragweed season, one plant can release a billion grains of it into the air.
How do I get rid of ragweed?
Spray ragweeds with a broadleaf weed killer. A general herbicide,
such as the widely used glyphosate
, will also kill ragweeds. Apply herbicide in mid-spring or early summer, when ragweeds are still small, because these younger plants will be more easily killed.
Does ragweed have a smell?
The specific name, “artemisiifolia”, means that it has leaves like Artemesia, plants that are also known as sagebrush, mugwort and wormwood. To me,
the smell of fresh ragweed is pungent and unpleasant
– not something I would consider to be a perfume. … Ragweed provides the usual environmental benefits of plants.
What else looks like ragweed?
People look at
the common goldenrod
(Solidago canadensis) and say, “Hey, look at all that pesky ragweed.” This may be because the goldenrod is conspicuous, with its lanky stems and the way it spreads by runners to colonize roadside ditches and open fields.
Do goldenrod and ragweed grow together?
Ragweed (also known as Ambrosia)
often grows in the same areas as goldenrod
, blooming at roughly the same times, too.
Does ragweed have a yellow bloom?
Instead of goldenrod’s characteristic
yellow flowers
, ragweed has smaller, stingy, decidedly green blooms that can be difficult to see, especially from a distance. One reason that ragweed allergies are so pervasive is that the wind can disperse the pollen over an impressive distance.
Do I cut back goldenrod in the fall?
Tip.
It’s not necessary to prune goldenrod
, but if you do, cut back old growth in late winter.
How long does goldenrod stay in bloom?
Goldenrods usually bloom at the end of summer and into early fall. California goldenrod, for instance, begins blooming in July
and continues through October
. Showy goldenrod doesn’t bloom until August, but also blooms until October.
Is goldenrod poisonous to dogs?
|
Common Name Botanical Name Poisonous Parts
|
Fritillaria Fritillaria collina bulbs
|
Goldenrod Solidago sempervirens
|
Hairy Vetch Vicia spp.
|
What foods should I avoid if I am allergic to ragweed?
-
bananas.
-
chamomile.
-
cantaloupes.
-
cucumbers.
-
Echinacea.
-
honeydew melons.
-
watermelon.
-
zucchini.
