Ambrosia artemisiifolia, or Common Ragweed, is a widespread, aggressive native annual that responds well to disturbance. Allergy complaints spike when ragweed blooms because ragweed, being wind-pollinated, has very fine and extremely abundant pollen.
Ragweed is wind-pollinated and does not need to attract insects, but honeybees may visit it to collect pollen. Ragweed is an important constituent of the prairie, creating abundant seed that serves as an vital food source for bobwhite quail and native songbirds.
Status | native |
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Habitat | prairie |
Blooms in | fall, summer |
Color | green, yellow |