Autumn plants in Japan: goldenrod

You can see goldenrod in every corner of the country in autumn in Japan. In fact, it is considered an invasive species, which always sounds so menacing! It is not native to Japan, but America. On and off over the years there have been discussions as to whether goldenrod would wipe out Japanese grasses, such as 'susuki' pampas grass. But so far, it doesn't seem to be the case.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod is called "seitaka awadachi sou", which literally means the tall foam whipping" plant. The scientific name is Solidago altissima. The English name goldenrod describes it perfectly. You can see it in fields around Japan right now (photo taken today, October 18th 2024). It is golden in October, but by late November it withers to a greyish white.

According to the National Institute for Environmental Studies, goldenrod first appeared in Japan around 1900, but became more prevalent after world war II. They say that is used either ornamentally or as a nectar source.