Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, August 7, 1994                   TAG: 9409020003
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: PATRICIA HELD
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THE GOLDENROD'S BEAUTY COMES IN MANY VARIETIES

There are many different kinds of goldenrod plants, so one goldenrod is not necessarily like all other goldenrods. In the United States, there are about 100 species.

While it is easy to recognize a goldenrod plant, to determine the species is another matter. Even experts sometimes have a hard time making a positive identification. A naturalist once wrote, "He is blind indeed who does not know goldenrod, but he is a taxonomist if he knows all the goldenrods."

One identification clue is the time of year that they bloom. No goldenrod species blooms all summer long. The first goldenrods begin to bloom in June and the later species might not bloom until November. They overlap to form a succession of blossoms that seems to intensify as the summer progresses when more and more species bloom in unison. By September their numbers are so large that fields are blanketed with their golden yellow flowers.

Another characteristic that helps to determine the species is the way in which the blossoms appear on the stem. They are often divided into plumelike, elm-branched, clublike, wandlike and flat-topped.

Goldenrod belongs to the composite family. The yellow blossoms are in showy clusters composed of many tiny flowers. Each of these is made up of ray and disc florets; the outer ring of rays attracts the insects while the inner disc provides pollen and seeds.

Goldenrods are far more abundant today than in years past. They thrive in disturbed areas. Farms and developments provide ideal conditions.

True pioneer plants, goldenrods can germinate and grow on bare soil and in the worst possible conditions. A barren field of disturbed road edge becomes carpeted with goldenrod and within two years their roots form a thick mass preventing the growth of most other plants. Within a few years sturdier shrubs and trees take hold, and following the natural course of succession, the once barren areas eventually develop into mature forests.

The abundance of goldenrod is due in part to the adaptation of the flowers for cross-pollination by a variety of insects. Many plants rely on only one or two specific insects to perform the chore of cross-pollination. In the case of goldenrod, both short-tongued insects and lapping ones can reach the plant's nectar, and while doing so, carry pollen away with them and on the next flower head.

While we may call it a weed, goldenrod grows as a cultivated garden plant in England. Careful and repeated selections of the plant have yielded a garden variety that is taller and fuller than our own wild plant. But, propagated or wild, goldenrod is truly one of the prettiest of our summer and autumn flowers. As other wildflowers die out for the season, the goldenrods continue to add color to our autumn landscape and provide that wonderful final burst of gold before winter sets in.

Note to readers: Referring to my column of July 24, the Roanoke Extension Service has asked that I point out that the cicada killer DOES NOT pose a real threat to humans. Like some wasps, it does pack a harsh sting but will not sting without provocation. Remember that most wasps are carnivorous and prey on other insects. They perform a valuable service in the environment. Do not destroy them without good reason. If we leave them alone, they usually will leave us alone.

Patricia Held will respond to readers' questions on the plant and animal wildlife in the region. Mail inquiries to: Patricia Held, P.O. Box 65, Goode, Va. 24556.

Patricia Held is a Bedford County free-lance writer and author specializing in natural history.