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great ragweed
Scientific Name: Ambrosia trifida
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida)
Ambrosia trifida, commonly known as giant ragweed or great ragweed, is a widespread plant native to North America and belongs to the sunflower family.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant can grow quite tall (3-12 feet), and its presence in gardens or disturbed areas may be common.
Considerations for Children
- The plant can grow quite tall (3-12 feet), and its presence in gardens or disturbed areas may be common.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Ambrosia trifida L.
- Family: Asteraceae (or Compositae), also known as the Sunflower family.
- Synonyms and Common Names: Giant Ragweed, Great Ragweed, Texan great ragweed, Bitterweed, Bloodweed, Buffalo Weed, Horse Cane, Kinghead, Tall ragweed, Horseweed, Tall Ambrosia, Crown Weed, grande herbe à poux.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to North America.
- Widespread in Canada and most of the continental U.S. (except Nevada).
- Commonly found in disturbed areas, such as streambanks, fields, gardens, and roadsides.
Ecological Role
- Can be invasive, particularly in disturbed areas.
- Pollen is a significant allergen, causing hay fever in many individuals.
- Impacts crop production in agricultural settings.
Morphological Characteristics
- Summer annual that grows to 3-12 feet tall, branching occasionally.
- Green stems covered with white hairs.
- Opposite leaves.
- Flowers are small, yellow to greenish, and petal-less, arranged in spike-like racemes.
Quirky Facts
- The genus name "Ambrosia" is derived from the Greek word for the food of the gods, an ironic name considering its allergenic properties.
- Giant ragweed leaves, when they first emerge, can be mistaken for those of sunflowers or sunchokes, to which it is closely related.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Wind-pollinated.
- Pollen causes hay fever in humans.
- Can impact crop yields, causing reduced production for farmers.
- Becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides like glyphosate.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden: A community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
- Purdue Extension: Offers resources on the biology and management of giant ragweed.
- Nature Manitoba: Provides information on Manitoba wildflowers.
- bioimages.vanderbilt.edu: Image database hosted by Vanderbilt University.