Goldenrod

This beautiful cluster of goldenrod plants was growing out of a concrete barrier along a sidewalk running beside a harbor near Ontongon, Michigan. ... more

by Phyllis Taylor

Title

Goldenrod

Artist

Phyllis Taylor

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

This beautiful cluster of goldenrod plants was growing out of a concrete barrier along a sidewalk running beside a harbor near Ontongon, Michigan. It was healthy and growing profusely even though located in an unusual place.

Goldenrod is a par­a­doxical plant. To North Americans, it is a roadside weed, evicted from gardens as an undesirable invader, yet Europeans cultivate it as an ornamental for the sunny border. It has long been scorned (though mistakenly) as the bane of ­allergy sufferers, yet people on three continents treat disease with it.

It is hardy enough to grow alongside city asphalt, yet it is elegant and graceful in the garden. John Muir described it in almost religious terms:

The fragrance, color, and form of the whole spiritual expression of Goldenrod are hopeful and strength-giving beyond any others I know. A single spike is sufficient to heal unbelief and melancholy.

The genus Solidago comprises between 60 and 130 species. Nearly all are known by the name goldenrod, though some also have such alternate names as woundwort, Aaron’s rod, heathen wound herb, and blue mountain tea. These members of the daisy or aster family (Compositae) generally have long, slender stems topped with plumes or tufts of tiny yellow or gold flowers. They grow in open woodlands and fields, especially where the soil is dry and sunlight plentiful.

Uploaded

September 9th, 2016