The goldenrods are yellow

Photo by Jerry Apps 

Many will remember the poem, September, by Helen Hunt Jackson.  The first lines, “The goldenrod is yellow, the corn is turning brown, the trees in apple orchards with fruit are bending down.” The prairie at my farm is a field of yellow goldenrods everywhere.

 Someone said to me recently, when I shared a bit about my goldenrods and how beautiful they were, “You must not have any allergies, you know that goldenrods make you sneeze.”  I had to tell him he was wrong.  Goldenrods do not make you sneeze.  Ragweeds are often found near goldenrods and the pollen from them makes you sneeze, but not goldenrods.  I have no ragweeds in my prairie, so no sneezing when I work there.

Goldenrods are native to North America.  About 20 different species of this interesting wildflower grow in Wisconsin—8 to 10 species are fairly common.  The Canada Goldenrod or common golden rod is most often found in this state.    Besides being a rather beautiful wildflower, it will grow on good as well poor soil and require no care whatever.  Their pollen is enjoyed by bees and butterflies.  Goldenrods along with milkweed flowers are favorites for the endangered Monarch butterfly.

Considerable folklore is associated with the goldenrod flower.  Its Latin name is Solidago, which means whole, and is thought to be a reference to its possible healing powers. Native Americans used goldenrod as an herb to cure various illnesses including respiratory problems and wound healing.  Some people also believe that if you find goldenrods growing near your home, it is considered a sign of prosperity. 

Until I did a little research, I did not know about all the good things associated with goldenrods.  I mostly enjoy their beauty.

THE OLD TIMER SAYS: Be careful about accusing something as being bad, when it really is most beneficial.

WHERE TO BUY MY BOOKS:

To purchase my books, go to your local bookstore, order online from bookshop.org, or purchase from the Friends of the Patterson Memorial Library in Wild Rose—a fundraiser for them. Phone: 920-622-3835 for prices and ordering.
Patterson Memorial Library
500 Division Street
Wild Rose, WI 54984
barnard@wildroselibrary.
www.wildroselibrary.org

If you live in the western part of the state, stop at Ruth’s home town, Westby and visit Dregne’s.  and look at their great selection of my books, including my new ones, or order a book by calling them at 1-877-634-4414. They will be happy to help you.