Wildflower of September
Solidago Goldenrod
Asteracae Aster Family

Is there any plant more misunderstood than that wonderful fall beauty, Goldenrod? It’s blamed for allergies and denied a place in just about every autumn bouquet, in fact I remember being (highly) criticized for putting some Solidago in a vase on the church altar. What was I trying to do-kill the pastor?

In reality, the pollen released by Goldenrod is too heavy to be airborne, the culprit for hay fever is ragweed which blooms at the same time. Also, the goldenrod which is invasive and can quickly take over an acre is Solidago canadensis. Most of the goldenrods are well-behaved, clumping and tolerant of a wide variety of conditions. They are terrific as a nectar source.

Oklahoma has more than 25 native species of Solidago, some like dry shade, some damp shade while others prefer the full sun of the prairie.

BONUS

Vine of the Month
Cynanchum laeve Bluevine, Sandvine, Honey-vine
Asclepiadaceae Milkweed Family

Chances are that you have walked past this vine and never given it a second look. And it is non-descript; thin, medium green opposite leaves that twine in and out of other plants on chain-link fences and in disturbed soil. In my own experience it seems to have an affinity for downtown areas where some energetic soul once planted some nice flowers and then left town.

The wonderful thing about this plant is that it provides a critical and abundant food source for the migrating Monarch butterfly. Most of the native species of milkweed have gone dormant by fall, but the bluevine is just getting started. The vine is perennial and springs from underground runners. Flowers are not showy and the pods are typical of those in the milkweed family. Seeds are fluffy so they can travel through the air long distances.