goldenrod

Some experts call it our single most valuable perennial plant for pollinators, but many people still try to eradicate goldenrod because they think it causes allergies.

The real source of sneezes is likely to be ragweed or other wind-pollinated plants. But old stories die hard. 

In fact, pollen sticks to goldenrod. "Goldenrods are a tremendous resource for a wide diversity of insects, including both specialist and generalist bees,” says Kimberly Stoner, Ph.D., an associate scientist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station who specializes in bees.