>   does the goldenrod flow stimulate the colonies to continue raising
> brood  Do splits build up well on goldenrod?


Yes to both. In years when there is a late flow from Goldenrod/Aster, the
bees will continue to lay well into October and early November...in
northern Vermont. Especially those late splits. It seems that my 4 frame
nucs, made in July, want to raise brood until the last possible moment.



>  goldenrod flow should be as effective as feeding thin syrup


Yes. In fact, here in the north, light colonies at the end of
August...after taking off the crop....are left without additional
supers...heavy colonies need an additional super to hold the flow. These
light colonies place the goldenrod honey in the top of the broodnest, and
winter well.


>   goldenrod honey crystalizes fairly quickly.  can the bees utilize the
> stores well?



I haven't noticed that Goldenrod crystallizes quickly. Surely Aster does.
But, whatever...they winter well on the mix. Many colonies don't need
additional feeding when there is a good Goldenrod/Aster flow. If your
Goldenrod/Aster flow is dependable, you should be able to time the removal
of the supers to coincide with the flow and avoid additional fall feeding.

Mike