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annual ragweed

Scientific Name: Ambrosia artemisiifolia var. paniculata

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Annual Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)

Annual ragweed, scientifically known as Ambrosia artemisiifolia, is a common annual broadleaved weed belonging to the composite or daisy family (Asteraceae). It is known by various common names, including ambrosia, horseweed, asthma plant, fever weed, bitterweed, wild tansy, blackweed, common ragweed, low ragweed, and Roman wormwood.

Considerations for People with Allergies

  • Ragweed pollen is a significant allergen, causing adverse immune responses in many people, leading to ragweed allergy or hay fever.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.
  • Family: Asteraceae (also known as Compositae or sunflower family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Ambrosia artemisiifolia var. elatior (L.) Desctils
    • Ambrosia artemisiifolia var. paniculata
    • Ambrosia elatior
    • Ambrosia artemisiifolia syn A elatior

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to North America, particularly prevalent in the eastern and north-central United States.
  • Introduced to other regions, including Australia (especially eastern Australia and south-east Queensland) and Europe.
  • Commonly found in disturbed sites, roadsides, wastelands, and poor or overgrazed pastures.

Ecological Role

  • Considered a significant weed in many agricultural settings, especially in corn and soybean fields.
  • Can be invasive in certain environments, like Europe, where its pollen affects many people.
  • Invasive in roadsides, wastelands and poor or overgrazed pastures.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Erect annual herb, typically growing to 0.5-2 meters tall, but can reach up to 3.5 meters.
  • Much-branched along a somewhat hairy stem.
  • Shallow, fibrous root system.
  • Leaves are grey-green, hairy, and variable in shape. Lower leaves are ovate to lanceolate in outline, with blades up to 16 cm long.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Winter annuals can out-compete and suppress annual ragweed growth.

Quirky Facts

  • Annual Ragweed's common name "asthma plant" hints at its allergenic properties.
  • The name "ragweed" refers to its annual growth cycle and ragged appearance.

Further Information

  • WeedWise: https://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/ambrosia_artemisiifolia.htm
  • Dave's Garden: Mentions a community sharing tips and ideas for gardens.
  • Steven Foster Photography: Offers high-resolution stock photos.