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Texan great ragweed

Scientific Name: Ambrosia trifida var. texana

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Ambrosia trifida: A Detailed Look

Ambrosia trifida, commonly known as great ragweed, Texan great ragweed, giant ragweed, tall ragweed, blood ragweed, perennial ragweed, horseweed, and buffaloweed, is a widespread plant with a significant impact on both ecosystems and human health.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • Pollen from Ambrosia trifida is a potent allergen and a major cause of hay fever.
  • Some references mention that the leaves and stems of Common Ragweed are hairy. However, no toxicity information for pets or children is found in the text.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Ambrosia trifida L.
  • Common Names: Great ragweed, Texan great ragweed, giant ragweed, tall ragweed, blood ragweed, perennial ragweed, horseweed, buffaloweed.
  • Family: Asteraceae (also known as Compositae)
  • Synonyms: Ambrosia trifida var. texana Scheele
  • USDA Symbol: AMTRT (for Ambrosia trifida var. texana)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Texas and other regions.
  • Also present in Europe and Asia as an introduced species.
  • Found in locations such as Dallas, Texas; Travis County, Texas; Fayette County, Texas; Southern Texas Plains; and Central Texas.
  • Commonly grows in fields, gardens, and roadsides.

Ecological Role

  • It is considered a common weed in many regions.
  • While sometimes viewed negatively, some references indicate potential for use as food.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Flowers grow on spikes and are cone or sphere-shaped.
  • Lower leaves resemble those of Common Ragweed.
  • Upper leaves are linearly cut and hairy.
  • Common Ragweed grows up to five feet tall, with hairy stems and light green leaves up to f inches long.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Pollen contains many antigens that cause hay fever in humans.
  • A microcyclic rust has been investigated for the biological control of giant ragweed.

Resources and Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS (United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service)
  • EPPO (European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation)
  • USWildflowers Database
  • Dave's Garden (gardening community)