Goldenrod -- Nothing to Sneeze At

Below freezing temperatures mark the end of even late blooming plants like goldenrods (Solidago spp.). Numerous species of goldenrod are native to Pennsylvania and span a range of habitats from wetlands and streamsides to dry, thin-soiled uplands. These prolific members of the sunflower family are often accused of causing hayfever, probably because their flowering coincides with the onset of fall hayfever symptoms. But unlike the wind pollinated ragweeds ( Ambrosia spp .), goldenrod pollen is sticky and heavy and carried about by insects attracted by nectar and pollen.

Today's photo not only features a handsome clump of goldenrod but a view of Lake Erie as seen from a bluff within the David M. Roderick Wildlife Reserve, now part of State Game Lands #314 in Erie County. WPC worked to acquire and transfer to permanent protection this 2.5 mile stretch of lake shore – the longest stretch of undeveloped southern lake front between Buffalo and Toledo.

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