WHEN MANY ALLERGY SUFFERERS hear the word “goldenrod,” they think, “Achoo!” But the truth is these plants are innocent victims of a long-standing myth.

Goldenrods bloom at the same time and in many of the same places as ragweeds. Both are members of the daisy family, but there’s a significant difference. Pollinated by wind, ragweeds’ dull green flowers release lightweight pollen that travels for miles in all directions. A single plant can propel as many as 1 billion irritating pollen grains—bad news for the 50 to 60 million Americans who suffer from seasonal hay fever.

By contrast, goldenrods’ bright yellow blossoms produce pollen too heavy to be carried by wind. “They rely entirely on animal pollinators,” says University of Delaware entomologist Doug Tallamy. More than 100 species of goldenrod native to North America bloom from late summer into fall, providing nectar and pollen for wildlife long after many plants have stopped flowering. “It’s one of the best herbaceous native perennials for attracting and feeding wildlife,” Tallamy says.

Plant of Bounty and “Brains”

Tallamy’s studies show that golden- rods provide food and shelter for 115 butterfly and moth species in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic alone. More than 11 native bee species feed specifically on the plants, and in fall, monarch butterflies depend on them for nectar to fuel their long migrations. Even in winter, songbirds find nourishment from goldenrod seed heads long after the blossoms have faded.

Recent research shows that some goldenrods also display defensive behavior never before documented in plants. While many plants have evolved thorns and chemical toxins to combat insect pests, a species called tall goldenrod employs a different tactic: “They duck,” observe botanists whose studies at Bucknell University reveal that some of the plants’ young stems nod during spring when flies that lay gall-inducing eggs are present. By nodding downward, emerging buds essentially hide and avoid damage by galls, growths that can diminish a plant’s ability to produce seeds. In tests described in the American Journal of Botany, Michael Wise and his colleagues found that flies did not lay eggs on a single “ducking” plant, opting instead to move on to other hosts.

In a subsequent study, Pennsylvania State University scientists found the plants can marshal these defenses after simply sensing the odor of a male fly emitting a mate-attracting pheromone. How does a goldenrod detect the fly’s odor? The answer to that question, like many others, is among the secrets these special plants have yet to reveal.

Started in 2000, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County Master Gardeners designed and installed this water-wise xeriscape garden, in conjunction with SUNY Ulster, to promote water protection and water quality through fundamental gardening practices.

Xeriscaping is a form of gardening which reduces the need for supplemental watering. Started in Denver, during a period of severe water shortage, it utilizes seven principles which are appropriate for any type of garden.

The Xeriscape Garden started with plantings of more than 55 drought tolerant, disease resistant, low maintenance plants in 9 beds. An additional 3 beds were later added in addition to an information kiosk/pergola (one for composting demonstrations; another as a nursery area to hold plants for our annual plant sale or demonstration classes; and a third as an alpine garden).

In 2014 a “rain garden” was built to expand the purpose of the xeriscape garden and illustrate how road runoff can be handled in a more environmentally friendly manner. Still to be installed is an accessibility garden and seating area.