If you have driven down just about any country road in Baldwin County lately, you have probably noticed the bright yellow flowers showing off along the ditches, in pastures and in those yards where the mower has apparently been given the season off.

That sunshine-yellow wildflower is goldenrod, and every fall it seems to get accused of making half the county sneeze.

Poor goldenrod. It blooms, feeds the bees, brightens up the roadside and minds its own business, only to get blamed for everybody's runny nose. If plants could file a defamation lawsuit, I believe goldenrod would have a pretty good case.

Because here is the funny part: goldenrod is not the main culprit behind our fall allergies. It also used to be Alabama's state flower, has a long history of traditional herbal uses, can be brewed into tea and is one of those plants that deserves a second look before you declare it a weed and send it to the great compost pile in the sky.

So grab your sweet tea, put down the weed eater for a minute, and let's get acquainted with one of Alabama's most misunderstood wildflowers.

THE STATE FLOWER THAT LOST ITS JOB

Believe it or not, goldenrod was named Alabama's state flower in 1927. It held that title until 1959 when the camellia took over.

Historical accounts suggest that goldenrod's reputation as a common roadside weed played a part in the push to replace it. Apparently, some people thought Alabama needed a flower with a little more polish.

Now, I love a good camellia. They are beautiful, they grow well in our region, and I would never turn one away from my garden. But I do find it amusing that we once had a native wildflower representing our state, and it lost the job partly because it was considered too ordinary. (The camelia is native to Asia, including China and Japan.)

Can you imagine getting fired for being too easy to grow?

Goldenrod did not need a greenhouse, a fancy pot or somebody fussing over it every weekend. It was already out there growing, feeding pollinators and brightening up the countryside without sending anybody a bill.

Meanwhile, gardeners today spend good money trying to create pollinator-friendly landscapes, and goldenrod has been offering that service for free all along.

The camellia may hold the official title now, but goldenrod still deserves a little Alabama pride. And if the bees had been in charge of the voting, I suspect goldenrod would have kept its job.

WHAT IS REALLY MAKING YOU SNEEZE?

Let's talk about the question that comes up every fall: Does goldenrod cause allergies?

The short answer is that goldenrod is not the main culprit behind fall hay fever symptoms. Its neighbor, ragweed, is much more likely to be responsible.

I know, I know. The yellow flowers show up, your eyes start watering, your nose starts running, and you immediately blame the plant you can see. It seems reasonable. Goldenrod is practically wearing a neon sign that says, "Look at me!"

But this is one of those situations where appearances are deceiving.

Goldenrod produces large, showy yellow flower clusters that attract bees, butterflies and other insects. Its pollen is relatively heavy and sticky, designed to hitch a ride on a pollinator rather than float freely through the air.

Ragweed, on the other hand, has small, greenish flowers that are easy to overlook. It relies on the wind to carry its lightweight pollen from plant to plant. That pollen can travel considerable distances and is a major cause of seasonal allergies.

In other words, goldenrod is standing out in public looking suspicious while ragweed is quietly releasing pollen into the wind. One has a flashy appearance, and the other has a very good public relations team.

Of course, goldenrod is not guaranteed to be allergy-free for everybody. Some people may experience irritation or allergic reactions around it, especially when handling plants.

You may also hear people claim that goldenrod tea or goldenrod tinctures can actually cure seasonal allergies.

The good news is that you may be able to stop giving goldenrod the side-eye every time it blooms.

HOW TO IDENTIFY GOLDENROD WITHOUT GUESSING

Before you start harvesting wildflowers for tea or adding them to your garden, you need to know what you are looking at. There are many species of goldenrod in the genus Solidago, and they do not all look exactly alike.

Most goldenrods have upright stems topped with clusters of tiny yellow flowers. Their leaves are usually narrow and lance-shaped, growing alternately along the stems. Depending on the species, the plants may grow a foot or two tall or reach several feet in height.

Goldenrod is a perennial, which means it can return year after year. It commonly grows in sunny fields, along roadsides, at woodland edges and in open spaces. Around coastal Alabama, you may encounter several species suited to different habitats.

Two worth knowing are sweet goldenrod (Solidago odora) and seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens).

Sweet goldenrod is especially interesting for anyone curious about herbal tea. Gently crush one of its leaves, and you may notice a distinctive anise-like fragrance, a little reminiscent of licorice.

Seaside goldenrod is adapted to coastal environments and can tolerate conditions that challenge many other flowering plants. It is a useful species to learn about if you are interested in native plants suited to our coastal landscape.

Here are a few things to look for:

Flowers: Clusters of tiny, bright yellow flower heads near the tops of the stems.

Leaves: Usually narrow and lance-shaped, although the exact shape and edges vary by species.

Stems: Upright, with branching near the flowering tops.

Growth habit: A perennial that may grow in clumps or spread into colonies.

Bloom time: Generally late summer through fall, depending on the species and local conditions.

Fragrance: Sweet goldenrod may have an anise-like scent when its leaves are gently crushed.

One important reminder: a yellow flower does not automatically make something goldenrod. Never identify a plant based on color alone, especially when you plan to eat or drink it. Use a reliable regional plant guide or consult a knowledgeable native-plant specialist.

And please do not harvest your tea ingredients from the side of the highway or the ditch where somebody just sprayed weed killer. There are plenty of places to find plants without adding road grime and mystery chemicals to your afternoon beverage.

WHAT CAN GOLDENROD DO BESIDES LOOK PRETTY?

As it turns out, goldenrod has quite a résumé. It may have lost its state-flower title, but it has kept busy.

First up: feeding our pollinators.

By late summer and fall, many flowers have finished blooming, and pollinators are looking for their next meal. Goldenrod provides nectar and pollen when those resources can become harder to find. Bees, butterflies, beetles and other beneficial insects visit the flowers, while birds may feed on the seeds.

If you are trying to make your garden more wildlife-friendly, goldenrod can be a wonderful addition to a sunny pollinator bed or naturalized area. Pair it with native asters for a beautiful combination of golden yellow and purple.

Just remember that some goldenrod species spread enthusiastically. A plant can be wonderful for wildlife and still be a little too enthusiastic about moving into your neighbor's flower bed. Choose the right species for your space and give it room to grow.

Next, goldenrod can be used for natural dyeing.

The flowers have traditionally been used to produce yellow dyes for fabrics and fibers. The finished color can vary depending on the species, the plant material and the dyeing method. If you enjoy crafts, natural materials or experimenting with what grows around you, this is an interesting project to explore.

Who needs to buy a bottle of yellow dye when your backyard might be growing the ingredients? Just make sure you research safe dyeing methods before getting started.

Goldenrod also has a long history in traditional herbal practices.

Different folk traditions have used goldenrod in teas and other preparations associated with sore throats, minor discomfort and urinary complaints. Some herbal traditions describe it as a diuretic, meaning a substance that may increase urine production.

These uses are part of goldenrod's history, but traditional use does not automatically mean a remedy has been scientifically proven to work. Goldenrod should not replace medical care for infections, kidney problems,= or other illnesses.

Our ancestors learned a great deal from the plants around them, and that knowledge is worth exploring. We just need to keep an open mind and a sensible dose of caution while doing it.

LET'S MAKE SOME GOLDENROD TEA

Now for the part that might surprise you: certain goldenrod species can be used to prepare herbal tea.

Sweet goldenrod is especially interesting because its aromatic leaves can give the tea a subtle anise-like flavor. It is a fun plant to learn about if you enjoy exploring traditional uses of local herbs.

For a simple traditional-style infusion, you will need:

• 1 cup of water
• A small pinch of correctly identified, clean, food-safe dried sweet goldenrod leaves or flowers
• Honey or lemon, if desired

Directions:

1. Bring the water to a boil, then remove it from the heat.
2. Add the dried goldenrod to a mug or teapot, pour the hot water over it, and cover. Let it steep for about five to 10 minutes, then strain thoroughly.
3. Allow it to cool to a comfortable drinking temperature, and add a little honey or lemon if you like.

That's it. No fancy equipment, no expensive ingredients and no need to pretend you are running a five-star herbal tea shop out of your kitchen.

If you plan to dry goldenrod for later use, harvest only correctly identified plants from clean locations. Remove damaged material and dry the herbs thoroughly in a well-ventilated place. Store them in a clean, airtight container and label the container with the plant's identity and harvest date. Throw away anything that develops mold or an unusual smell.

Now, before anybody decides to open a goldenrod tea stand at the farmers market, there are a few things to know.

This is a traditional-style preparation, not a medically established dose. The safety of medicinal goldenrod use is not well established, and it may not be suitable for everyone. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have kidney disease, take medication, or have allergies to plants in the daisy family, check with a qualified healthcare professional before using it medicinally.

GIVE GOLDENROD A LITTLE CREDIT

As gardeners, we can be awfully particular about what belongs in our yards. If a plant arrives in a plastic nursery pot with a pretty tag, we welcome it home. If that same plant pops up beside the driveway without permission, suddenly it is a weed and must be dealt with immediately.

Goldenrod reminds us that sometimes we overlook the value of the plants already growing around us.

It was once Alabama's state flower. It supports pollinators when many other flowers are fading. It has traditional uses in herbal preparations to aid in helping your allergies and can be used for natural dyeing. Certain species even make an interesting addition to a native garden.

The next time you see those golden plumes along a Baldwin County roadside, take a closer look. Watch the bees working the flowers, notice the color they bring to the landscape, and remember that this was once the flower Alabama chose to represent itself.

And if your nose starts running this fall, do a little investigating before you blame the goldenrod. It may just be the innocent neighbor getting blamed for ragweed's bad behavior.

Until next time, keep cultivating the coast, keep learning about the plants growing around you, and remember: sometimes the best thing growing in your garden is the very thing you were about to pull out.