October's highlight is GOLDENROD! You have probably seen this all around Central Ohio, but there is an abundance of goldenrod in the reserve areas throughout the village.
LATIN: Solidago
ENVIRONMENT: Prefers open, full sun areas like meadows, prairies or savannas. Grows in zones 4-7. Grows in average, well-drained soil but tolerates poor soil, clay and drought.
DESCRIPTION: 120+ mostly native species of tall-stemmed perennial plant w/bright, dense yellow clusters of flowers. Bloons from July to October. Propagation is by seed or underground rhizomes.
WILDLIFE: Goldenrod produces abundant nectar which attracts many specialized bees, wasps and butterflies (Monarch, Sulfur, Copper and Hairstreak). Sticky pollen adds crucial protein, fats, minerals to late season diet of insects. Larvae in Goldenrod galls supports 50+ species of gall making insects which birds love as well as the seeds. Deer resistant.
MEDICINAL: Native Americans used for tea to reduce fever, the poultice for relief from bee stings, and the flowers used for sore throats.
CULINARY: Young leaves are said to be edible. Can be used to make tea.
MANAGEMENT: Medium effort - can be weedy and spread easily.
FUN FACTS: Often blamed for seasonal allergies that are actually caused by Ragweed. During the American Revolution colonists made Liberty Tea from Goldenrod when they ran out of British Tea. Also used for dye.
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