Looking for a flower like goldenrod, but less allergy-inducing.

October 3, 2014 7:28 AM

Goldenrod is my favorite color. I am looking for a flower (or flowers) to use at my May wedding that is as close to that color as possible, without being likely to cause allergic reactions for guests. I'm interested in flowers that are in bloom in late-May and which look more like wildflowers than tulips, but I am open to considering any and all goldenrod-colored flower suggestions. Thank you!
posted by likeatoaster to Science & Nature (14 answers total)

Craspedia! Dahlias! Ranunculus! Yarrow! Calla lilies! Freesias!
posted by Specklet at 7:40 AM on October 3, 2014 [1 favorite]

There are some Zinnias that are close to that color. Also Melampodium.
You might find some Rudbeckia in bloom then, although it's a bit early for most varieties.
posted by PlantGoddess at 7:44 AM on October 3, 2014

Leopard's bane, Basket of Gold, Forsythia (although this one may be allergy inducing).
posted by Laura_J at 7:48 AM on October 3, 2014

Some random searches ... Artificial? Artificial wild?
posted by Buttons Bellbottom at 7:50 AM on October 3, 2014

Response by poster: Thanks for the suggestions! So far, my favorites are the calla lilies, freesias, and melampodium, but I had no idea there were so many gold-colored flowers. Keep em coming.
posted by likeatoaster at 8:10 AM on October 3, 2014

Do you want flowers that are naturally that color or dyed that color? Does it matter? There are a couple of varieties of yellow orchids that are gorgeous but idk how well they would hold up in a bouquet situation.

what about a bouquet of tiny ginger kittens though
posted by poffin boffin at 8:11 AM on October 3, 2014 [2 favorites]

Do you need something commercially available? Coreopsis starts blooming in late May in the mid-Atlantic at least. Coreopsis grandiflora or lanceolata are both a really lovely golden yellow, born on long stems, and quite "wildflower" looking--with red eyes or without eyes. Grandiflora includes double variants. But I don't know if it's often grown for commercial sale.
posted by drlith at 8:13 AM on October 3, 2014 [1 favorite]

Also, I'm not sure that goldenrod proper is especially more allergy-triggering than any other flower. You may be confusing it, as many people do, with the vaguely similar-looking ragweed, which shares the same blooming season of late summer. Ragweed pollen is transported by air currents and is a major allergen, but goldenrod pollen is heavier and sticky because it's designed to stick to pollenator insects and get carried about thusly.
posted by drlith at 8:25 AM on October 3, 2014 [3 favorites]

Goldenrod is not allergic for the majority of people; drlith has it. In fact, goldenrod tincture is useful for reducing allergy symptoms related to airborne pollen.
posted by Riverine at 8:59 AM on October 3, 2014 [2 favorites]

Yeah, don't worry so much about the goldenrod or you might as well ditch the idea of a fresh bouquet entirely. It's not really any worse than most other flowers. So if you want it go for it, though it might be a little tricky to find in May.

Just for fun, there are some beautiful tulips that look (and are, in fact) just like wildflowers. I don't know how easily you could obtain Tulipa sylvestris but I can tell you they are absolutely stunning.
posted by lydhre at 11:08 AM on October 3, 2014

There are a couple of varieties of yellow orchids that are gorgeous but idk how well they would hold up in a bouquet situation.

My sister had orchids in her bridal bouquet without any problem.
posted by ocherdraco at 11:21 AM on October 3, 2014

I used to work for a florist as a clerk. Most florists have or can get a yellow "filler" flower that would fit the bill...it's called solidago....which upon looking it up, IS goldenrod (didn't know that!)

I never in five years had anyone tell me they were allergic to it-and it's cheap. Go to a florist, buy a little of it and see if that won't fit the bill.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 3:03 PM on October 3, 2014 [1 favorite]

There are a couple of varieties of yellow orchids that are gorgeous but idk how well they would hold up in a bouquet situation.

Actually, orchids are ideal for bouquets because they last so long after cutting - much longer than roses, for example. Weeks, in fact.

And yeah, goldenrod gets unjustly blamed for allergic reactions. It just happens to bloom at the same time as ragweed, which is usually the real culprit. If you like goldenrod, get goldenrod.
posted by caryatid at 4:18 PM on October 3, 2014 [1 favorite]

Oh, and a dirty little florist's secret....there is such a thing as floral spray paint.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 5:38 PM on October 3, 2014