Goldenrods in Virginia: 6 Facts

Goldenrods are a quintessential wildflower in late summer and early fall in Virginia. The tall, slender stems sag with the weight of their yellow flowers and brighten up roadsides, abandoned fields, and the edges of woods. Often seen from a speeding car, how much do you know about goldenrods?

     1. Goldenrods (solidago spp.) are part of the Aster family (Asteraceae).

Goldenrod flowers seen on the roadside as I drive past don’t look anything like an aster, but when I get up close, I see the similarities.

     2. Goldenrod flowers usually have a ray or disc shape.

From a car window, goldenrod flowers look more like tubes or random fluffs, but up close, you can see the petals arranged in a circle. They look very similar to aster and daisy blooms.

     3. Goldenrod flowers are usually yellow.

It makes sense that plants with yellow flowers on a skinny stem would come to be known as goldenrods. In Virginia, an exception to the yellow flower is the silverrod (solidago bicolor), which has white flowers.

     4. The peak blooming time for Goldenrods in Virginia is September.

Goldenrods start blooming in August and some will continue into November, but in general, September is when most varieties are in full bloom.

     5. There are about 40 species of goldenrods native to Virginia.

This doesn’t mean that all species are native to all counties of Virginia. The Digital Atlas of the Virginia Flora is a good resource for finding out if a plant is native to a specific county.

     6. Goldenrod pollen is unlikely to cause allergies.

This is because the plant is pollinated by insects. That means that its pollen isn’t usually blown around by the wind. If the pollen isn’t in the air, it is unlikely that you are breathing it in or getting it on your skin. If you aren’t coming into contact with the pollen, it's unlikely that you are experiencing allergies from the pollen. Of course, you should always consult a doctor before making healthcare decisions.

Goldenrods are a cheerful sight in late summer and early fall. Whether you enjoy them cultivated or in the wild, goldenrods that are native to Virginia are beneficial for natural cycles and for beauty. Let’s enjoy the view!