>>So, if your goldenrod does not yield every year it is probably because of
soil pH.  If goldenrod honey granulates fast, it is almost certainly because
of 'contamination' with aster nectar.<<

Lloyd, I think you have answered my question- Our soils are naturally acid ~ 
ph 4.8-5.
Our goldenrod honey is dark and when the bees are drying it down it releases 
a very characteristic odor, somewhat like tobacco. The odor does not seem to 
transfer to the honey.

We have many types of asters some start to bloom ~2 weeks before goldenrod 
and others continue 2-3 weeks past the goldenrod. There are many types go 
goldenrod and their crosses in our area
We leave the goldenrod ( when we have it) on the colonies for winter feed.

Dan Veilleux
in the mountains of NC
zone 6a

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