Goldenrod

CANADA GOLDENROD (hereinafter referred to as goldenrod) is an alien invasive plant species for the Republic of Belarus.

It is included in the list of particularly dangerous invasive plant species. Some people grow it on their household plots and around their houses. However, it is prohibited to use goldenrod for landscaping.
The uncontrolled spread of this species leads to the suppression and even complete displacement of other plants from natural ecosystems. In meadow and floodplain ecosystems where goldenrod settles, the composition and structure of hayfields change, the quality of harvested hay significantly deteriorates (cattle do not eat it), and large, stiff sods are formed, the development of which hinders the growth of many economically useful plants, and the structure and aeration of soils change. In floodplain meadow communities, goldenrod poses a threat to populations of many rare and endangered plant species, disrupts sowing patterns, and reduces crop yields.

However, it should be noted that, first and foremost, Canada goldenrod is an allergenic aggressive plant; each specimen produces over 20,000 seeds (with a germination rate of 50-90%), which pose a threat to human health by increasing the incidence of diseases, as goldenrod pollen provokes allergic reactions in people. (Blooms in July – September, achenes ripen in August – October).

In recent years, the danger from this plant has increased; this species has significantly increased its numbers (by an average of 15-20%) and its distribution range, leading to transformations of natural complexes. Canada goldenrod is a quarantine plant, prohibited for movement across borders and import into many countries.

Control measures against goldenrod include mowing twice a year (in May and August) and, most importantly, timely removal and disposal of mowed plants, as seeds can ripen on the ground and germinate the following year. Good results are achieved by digging the soil in summer during dry weather, and the use of herbicides is also effective when plants are no more than 10-15 cm tall, as goldenrod's sensitivity to them significantly decreases later.

Failure to comply with, improper or untimely compliance with the requirements for the destruction of goldenrod, issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection and executive committees, entails administrative liability under Article 24.1 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus with a fine of up to twenty basic units.