Smith, R.W.
Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.
Annual ragweed, Short ragweed
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Coarse, hairy-stemmed
annual with inconspicuous flowers in elongated clusters.
This plant, not Goldenrod, is a cause of hay fever, recognized by all who suffer the discomfiting allergy. Pollination is by wind, as indicated by the drabness of the flowers, which do not attract insects. The best control is to permit
perennial plants to crowd this
annual out. Since the seeds persist into winter and are numerous and rich in oil, they are relished by songbirds and upland game birds.
Image Gallery:
4 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Annual Habit: Herb Fruit: Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Green , Brown
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AL , AZ , AR , CA , CO , CT , DE , FL , GA , HI , ID , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , MT , NE , NV , NH , NJ , NM , NY , NC , ND , OH , OK , OR , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , UT , VT , VA , WA , WV , WI , WY , DC
Canada: AB ,
BC ,
MB ,
NB ,
NL ,
NT ,
NS ,
ON ,
PE ,
QC ,
SK Native Distribution: Throughout North America, except far north.
Native Habitat: Grows profusely in open mixed grass praries and roadsides.
Native to North America although they are also found in Eastern Europe.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), HI(I), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Conditions Comments: Considered an invasive plant. In gardens ragweed can be contained by hoeing or hand-weeding young plants. It propagates mainly by rhizomes but also by seed. Ragweeds unleash copious amounts of pollen into the wind. So those prone to hay fever watch out.
Benefit
Use Medicinal: Tea from leaves applied to swellings, taken to stop vomiting and bloody stools
Warning: Plant parts can cause skin irritation if touched.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Last Update: 2012-06-20
