Golden Rod is Important
29 August
We have reached peak Golden Rod flowering as we transition towards September and they are alive with many insects gathering nectar and pollen. Including some of the first Yellowjackets/Wasps I have seen this summer … a topic I will consider in greater depth some time next week; it’s interesting.
Here we have several Common Eastern Bublebees, some Aerial Yellowjackets (precise species not determined), a Dipteran (? Species), and an Asian Ladybird. All are very welcome.
A prolific nectar and pollen producer, it supports bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, and beetles. Eleven species of native bees are specialists in goldenrod and seek this specifically for their diet. It is also the host plant for several butterfly and moth larvae, including the wavy-lined emerald moth (Synchlora aerata) … Goldenrod produces high-quality pollen, rich in protein, fats, and minerals, and is critical for migratory insects like the monarch butterfly.
