Goldenrod is unique among the flowers. It gives our bees their last
chance at a good winter feed. It is not only rich in nectar, but has a very
high quality, protein-rich pollen.  (Goldenrod is NOT responsible for your
allergies. The pollen is heavy and sticky, designed for insect pollination,
not wind. The only way to get goldenrod pollen in your nasal passages is to
stick the flower up your nose!  Wind-blown ragweed pollen is a more common
culprit for allergies.)  This plant gives us a unique opportunity to study
pollinator/preditor/plant relationships.

     Goldenrod attracts more varieties of insects than just about any other
flower. It really brings out the wasps, which may not even visit flowers
until goldenrod blooms.  Here is a photodocumentation of the all but one of
the visitors seen on goldenrod in three days of observation. Only one small
wasp was so spooky that it was impossible to catch her picture.  Not only are
there pollinators, but also large numbers of predators.

     You can see this series of pictures at:
http://pollinator.com/goldenrod.htm

     Many of these are not identified, and if you can help pin these down, it
would be appreciated.  Tips on photography and how to maximize the study
opportunity are quite welcome.

Dave Green