Early spring pollinators strike gold with this native wildflower

When the weather starts to warm up and the days get a little longer, one bright flower can be seen among the lingering dullness of winter. Though the golden ragwort is a beautiful bold yellow that indicates the start of a new season, it serves as so much more than simply a nice sight to see. The golden ragwort is an important food source, acting as a seasonal lifeline for early spring pollinators. They are also an underrated nature-based solution for controlling soil erosion.

Blooming from early March through April throughout the entire Chesapeake region, the golden ragwort produces large clusters of daisy-like flowers from stems that can grow more than two feet tall. As one of the first blooms of spring, the flower plays a critical role in being one of the sole food sources for pollinators who make their debut early in the season. While they are not in bloom for the entire spring, they last long enough until other flowers begin to bloom and can take over the role as a food source for critters.

Golden ragworts are also an important buffer from stormwater runoff, making for a great solution to control and limit soil erosion. Golden ragworts grow incredibly fast and are aggressively dense, occupying ground space. Excessive rainfall is no problem for the golden ragwort, as it will soak up much of the water and use it to expand its coverage even further. 

Golden ragwort plants spread through underground stems called rhizomes. These roots help anchor soil in place, preventing it from washing away during heavy rain. This is especially important in the Chesapeake watershed, where stormwater runoff can carry sediment and other pollutants into local streams and eventually into the Bay. 

For homeowners looking to support pollinators and improve water quality, golden ragwort can also be a great addition to a Bay-friendly yard. As spring unfolds and more flowers begin to bloom, the golden ragwort’s job as an early-season supporter quietly winds down, but its impact continues long after its bloom.