Monday, September 28, 2009

Fields of Gold

Fall is slowly, but surely, making an appearance along the roadsides around Vicksburg. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post called The Colors of Indian Summer, which featured photos of leaves turning and a few close up shots of goldenrod, which was just beginning to bloom.

This past weekend, I visited some fields of goldenrod and captured its beauty at its peak (you can click on the pictures to enlarge them, if you'd like).





Dewdrops ...




I did a little research on Goldenrod and discovered that it is the state flower of Kentucky and Nebraska, and used to be the state flower of Alabama, but was later rejected in favor of the camellia. Goldenrod was recently named the state wildflower for South Carolina.

A lot of folks suffer from hay fever this time of year and I discovered that goldenrod is often unfairly blamed for causing it. Actually, the pollen causing these allergy problems is mainly produced by Ragweed which blooms at the same time as goldenrod, but is wind-pollinated. Goldenrod pollen is too heavy and sticky to be blown far from the flowers, and is mainly pollinated by insects. If that is true, I think I will go back and pick a large bouquet for my patio table. It would make an absolutely gorgeous arrangement!

4 comments:

Stacey said...

Just lovely! You are so talented I just love to see your photos.

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

Beautiful pictures! The goldenrod is blooming here in the Carolinas, too, and I just love it! ~hugs, Rhonda :)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

GORGEOUS!

This is truly what I miss about not blogging, but hopefully I will get my computer back soon. This one is borrowed.

XO,

Sheila :-)

Tonja said...

Yes, I read that recently about goldenrod NOT being the culprit we long thought it was. I wonder if ragweed and goldenrod are grown in close proximity to each other, and therefore it gets blamed. I have often thought how beautiful it is,,,the color is just glorious against a blue, blue sky!