Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why are goldenrods often wrongly blamed for pollen allergies?

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Sunflower — Asteraceae The flowering head of a sunflower (*Helianthus annuus*) is formed of yellow, petal-like ray flowers and a brown center of minute disk flowers.

Goldenrods are frequently misidentified as the source of seasonal allergies because they bloom at the same time as ragweeds in late summer and fall.1

While goldenrods are highly conspicuous and common during this period, the primary cause of these allergies is actually the wind-borne pollen released by ragweeds. Because goldenrods are visually prominent while ragweeds—which have small, inconspicuous flower heads—are releasing their pollen into the air, the public often incorrectly attributes the allergic reactions to the goldenrods.1