What does a goldenrod flower look like?

Goldenrods produce spikes branching off the main stem, each covered with numerous yellow flower heads. The lower spikes usually arch away from the main stem, leaving a center stem standing upright. The calyx of each flower has a crown of hairs.

Goldenrod usually blooms from July into early fall, with florets lower on the spikes blooming first. The plant is often blamed for seasonal allergies but these are usually due to ragweed blooming at the same time. Goldenrod is commonly used in herbal medicine as a diuretic, a mouth rinse and a douche. It contains chemicals that can increase urinary flow and is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.