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GOLDENROD
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Goldenrod is a genus, Solidago, in the sunflower family, Compositae, of about 130 species of mostly North American hardy, perennial herbs that bloom in late summer or autumn. It is related to the aster and typically has a slender, unbranched stem with short-stalked or stalkless leaves and small, yellowish flower heads borne in complex clusters. Widespread throughout the United States, goldenrod has been erroneously blamed for the hayfever caused by ragweed (Ambrosia). Some species, however, are toxic because they contain high concentrations of nitrates or diterpenes or because of contamination with fungi. A yellow dye can be prepared from the flowers of some species.
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