Goldenrod not guilty of pollen

Each season has its dominant color – from summer greens to flashy yellows – as autumn approaches. Canadian goldenrod, one of the most common of eight upland species of the plant that are all members of the sunflower family, begins showing its true colors as summer enters its last full calendar month. The goldenrod lacks respect from many viewers and gardeners because goldenrods are so common – and its showy presence is erroneously blamed for causing hay fever. Two other hardy but unspectacular plants with camouflaged blooms are guilty of releasing airborne pollen into August air about the same time goldenrods flower. The common and giant ragweed – both having tiny, green blooms – are guilty.