Ambrosia trifida

Common names

Buffalo Weed, Great Ragweed, Giant Ragweed, Bitterweed, Bloodweed, Horse Cane, Tall Ambrosia

Ambrosia trifida is an annual plant in the aster family, native throughout much of North America. Its flowers are green and are pollinated by wind rather than by insects, and the pollen is one of the main causes of late summer hay fever. Flowers are borne from midsummer through early fall.

The plant is erect, growing to over 6 meters^[2], though 2– 3 meters is more typical.

As a weed

Giant Ragweed is one of the most competitive weeds found in North America. At average distributions it can reduce corn crop yields by 55% and soybean yields by 52%. It is very difficult to control Giant Ragweed through mechanical means or herbicides, but it does not tolerate mowing, so planting small grains in succession is an effective way to suppress infestations.

References

• A. Davis, K. Renner, C. Sprague, L. Dyer, D. Mutch (2005). Integrated Weed Management. MSU.
• Everitt, J.H.; Lonard, R.L., Little, C.R. (2007). Weeds in South Texas and Northern Mexico. Lubbock: Texas Tech University Press.  ISBN 0-89672-614-2

External links

Media related to Ambrosia trifida at Wikimedia Commons

• Giant Ragweed