Goldenrod often is inaccurately said to cause hay fever in humans.[26] The pollen causing this allergic reaction is produced mainly by ragweed (Ambrosia sp.), blooming at the same time as the goldenrod and pollinated by wind. Goldenrod pollen is too heavy and sticky to be blown far from the flowers, and is pollinated mainly by insects.[26] Frequent handling of goldenrod and other flowers, however, can cause allergic reactions, sometimes irritating enough to force florists to change occupation.[27
I just happened to see it when I went looking to learn more about goldenrod myself, like what the flowers look like. And I remembered your comment.
Having seen pictures of the flowers it made sense though, because big bright colorful flowers are meant to attract pollinators. It’s the plant you can barely tell is flowering that’s probably dumping pollen into the wind, sneaky bastards.
Apparently one of the major culprits is ragweed and goldenrod gets the rap for it. Undoubtedly though goldenrod is a contributor though. Trees get me a lot worse in either case 🫠
I wish I could grow this stuff… but it kills me during allergy season.
Edit: Since mine is the parent comment, I’ll update with what I’ve learned
Ragweed and Goldenrod are different plants.
Goldenrod pollen is too heavy to blow into the air and cause allergic reaction unless you get very close/handle it.
From Wikipedia (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solidago):
Goldenrod often is inaccurately said to cause hay fever in humans.[26] The pollen causing this allergic reaction is produced mainly by ragweed (Ambrosia sp.), blooming at the same time as the goldenrod and pollinated by wind. Goldenrod pollen is too heavy and sticky to be blown far from the flowers, and is pollinated mainly by insects.[26] Frequent handling of goldenrod and other flowers, however, can cause allergic reactions, sometimes irritating enough to force florists to change occupation.[27
Fair enough, to be honest i didn’t realize goldenrod and ragweed were different plants.
I just happened to see it when I went looking to learn more about goldenrod myself, like what the flowers look like. And I remembered your comment.
Having seen pictures of the flowers it made sense though, because big bright colorful flowers are meant to attract pollinators. It’s the plant you can barely tell is flowering that’s probably dumping pollen into the wind, sneaky bastards.
Lol can’t see them flowering anyways… but my nose and sinuses sure let me know when they go.
Apparently one of the major culprits is ragweed and goldenrod gets the rap for it. Undoubtedly though goldenrod is a contributor though. Trees get me a lot worse in either case 🫠