Goldenrod: Kentucky’s Misunderstood State Flower
This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast:
May 16, 1926
On this day, Kentucky officially adopted the goldenrod as its state floral emblem. This decision came after years of debate within gardening clubs, who felt that the previously recognized bluegrass was not representative of the entire state. Interestingly, both Alabama and Nebraska have also chosen the goldenrod as their state flower, a testament to its widespread appeal and beauty.
Despite its popularity, goldenrod is often unfairly maligned due to its association with ragweed, a common allergen. While both plants bloom in late summer, they are distinct and easily distinguishable. Ragweed has small, inconspicuous green flowers, while goldenrod boasts vibrant, golden-yellow blooms that light up the landscape.
The misinformation surrounding goldenrod is exemplified in an infographic I saw a few years ago that said,
Goldenrod Warning: if I'm here, so is ragweed. Stay indoors! Achoo!
This, dear readers, is tarnishing Goldenrod's good name. It's akin to blaming the messenger for the message. We might as well say the black-eyed Susans are blooming, and so is ragweed. Or the Joe Pye Weed is blooming - and so is ragweed - and so, by the way, are all the late summer bloomers - echinacea, helenium, oriental lily, asters, balloon flowers, sedums, tickseed, autumn crocus, Japanese anemones, blue mist shrub, hydrangeas, the list goes on and on. It's just an issue of timing, not causation.
Let's set the record straight about this misunderstood beauty. The genus name Solidago is taken from the Latin "in solidum ago vulnera," which means "I make wounds whole." So, it's not surprising that Native Americans and herbalists have long recognized the curative power of Goldenrod in wound care. Far from being a troublemaker, this plant is a healer!
Goldenrod is not just beautiful; it's beneficial. If you want to plant some Goldenrod, remember it is an early autumn bloomer. It's also an important food source for honey bees and makes for a fantastic cut flower. Imagine a vase of these golden spires gracing your table, bringing a bit of sunshine indoors as summer wanes.
As the botanical painter Anne Ophelia Todd Dowden once observed,
"Abundant it may be, but repugnant it is not."
Indeed, it's time to appreciate the beauty and value of Kentucky's state flower. Let's celebrate the goldenrod for what it truly is - a hardy, helpful, and undeniably handsome addition to our late summer and autumn gardens. After all, if it's good enough for three states to claim as their own, surely it's worthy of a place in our hearts and our gardens.
