News Agriculture

Candy cane strategy sweetens life for goldenrods

Roadside plants that strike the pose appear to get some protection from galling pest attacks

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

Plants haven’t dodged a shoe, but they can duck aerial attackers, says a new study.

DUCKING PLANT A tall goldenrod nods its head into a candy-cane curve (left) during the early weeks of growth, but will straighten up to bloom. Ducking may offer some protection from a pesty gall midge, a new study shows.