Annual ragweed - Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Invasive, Images, Control)

Annual ragweed

Also known as: Common ragweed, Tassel weed

Annual ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is one of the most notorious weeds in the world. It is an annual herbaceous plant with highly allergenic pollen and a very vigorous spread. Annual ragweed is a very competitive species, which is why its presence in cultivated plants is highly undesirable.

Scientific classification

Species

Annual ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

20 cm to 1.5 m

Plant Height

90 cm to 1.2 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

Yellow, Green, Brown

Flower Color

Red, Pink, Burgundy

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Annual ragweed

Distribution of Annual ragweed

Distribution Map

Annual ragweed is native to North America. It has spread to many regions of the world: South America, Eurasia, Africa, and parts of Australia. It is considered a nuisance, a weed, or an invasive species almost everywhere it has naturalized. It grows in disturbed areas like roadsides, grasslands, and in cultivated areas like fields.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Disturbed sites

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Tenacious vitality, irritation

Interesting Facts

When annual ragweed blossom pollen comes into contact with skin, it releases water-soluble proteins, causing allergic reactions. Every year there are 14.6 million people in the United States suffering allergic reactions to annual ragweed.

Name Story

Annual ragweed: Ragweed is the common name for any of the various wind-pollinated. Its pollen and seeds can be spread via the wind distributing them everywhere. As it is the type of plant that grows in a year, it is called annual ragweed.

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Toxicity

Annual ragweed is toxic to cats and dogs. The sap, juice, and pollen of annual ragweed can cause allergic reactions in humans (hay fever) and severe symptoms in pets. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if an animal ingests or contacts annual ragweed to prevent prolonged discomfort or more serious health issues. Symptoms in pets include skin irritation, gastrointestinal upset, and respiratory issues.

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Weed Control

Native to certain parts of the Americas and the Caribbean, annual ragweed is a widespread noxious weed in most temperate regions of the world, as well as in the Indian subcontinent. It is a prolific seed producer with a strong root system - a mature plant is nearly impossible to pull out and regrows after being cut back. Annual ragweed thrives in disturbed land where it quickly outcompetes any native vegetation, so it frequently appears in tilled fields, abandoned construction sites, wastelands, and burned areas. Additionally, the wind-carried pollen is highly allergenic, and it causes allergic reactions from August well into the fall.

How to Control It

The best season for the removal of annual ragweed is in the spring or early summer when the plants have germinated but not yet flowered. You should aim to remove this weed before it enters the flowering state as it can spread its seeds widely at that time. Here are some control methods:

Hand-Pulling: Pull annual ragweed out by the root, ensuring no part of the root is left behind as it may regrow. Make sure to wear gloves to protect your skin from potential irritation. Dispose of the plants properly so they can't reseed in your garden.
Mowing: Since annual ragweed is an annual weed, mowing the plant before it flowers can prevent it from spreading. Be sure to frequently mow your lawn or garden area during its growing season.
Smothering: Cover the infested area with a thick layer of landscape fabric, mulch, or cardboard to block sunlight and impede the growth of annual ragweed. Keep the cover in place for at least one whole growing season.
Vinegar Spray: Fill a spray bottle with undiluted 5% to 20% vinegar and a teaspoon of dish soap. Spray it on annual ragweed on a dry, sunny day when rain is not expected for at least 24 hours. The vinegar will cause the plant to dry out, and the dish soap will help the vinegar to stick to the plant.
Regular Crop Rotation: Regularly rotating crops can help reduce annual ragweed infestation in agricultural areas as their seeds can't survive without light for more than 2 years. Interplanting with cover crops like wheat or rye can also help suppress the annual ragweed growth.

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Quickly Identify Annual ragweed

Deeply lobed, fern-like leaves create fine-textured appearance.

Male flowers in elongated clusters release abundant pollen.

Woody achene fruits with crown-like 4-7 spine projections.

Pinkish-red stem with grooves, fine hairs, and slender form.

Green leaves up to 6 inches (15 cm) long with deeply lobed base.

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Care Guide for Annual ragweed

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Annual ragweed thrives in varied moisture, showcasing drought tolerance and a strong response to consistent watering. Ideal watering is weekly. As an annual herb, it grows robustly during the rainy season, effectively utilizing increased water availability to complete its life cycle.

Propagation: Propagation of annual ragweed is best done by sowing in Spring, which is simple and yields successful results. Indicators of success include germination and vigorous growth, supported by optimal soil moisture and temperature.

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Images of Annual ragweed

Distribution of Annual ragweed

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Annual ragweed

Care Guide for Annual ragweed

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