Allergy sufferers know this time of year all too well. It’s ragweed season.

It’s also the time of year when goldenrod is blooming. And, honeybees love goldenrod!

Ragweed and goldenrod look similar. However, ragweed creates airborne pollen that many people are allergic to, while goldenrod does not.

Goldenrod is one of those plants that everyone knows, but no one can identify – or so it seems. One thing is certain though – honey bees love it!

In fact goldenrod is a key protein source for honey bees in the fall. This year, many areas will have an abundance of goldenrod due to all of the recent rains.

So, please don’t cut the goldenrod – leave it for our honey bees to feast on!

Flowering ragweed plant growing outside, a common allergen

Goldenrod, a key protein source for honey bees.