Short Ragweed • Ambrosia artemisifolia
Weeds
Conditions: Allergic rhinitis; allergic asthma; allergic conjunctivitis; contact dermatitis.
Symptoms: Itchy, stuffy, or runny nose; post-nasal drip; sneezing; itchy, red or watery eyes; asthmatic symptoms; puffy eyes; rashes or itchy skin.
Physical description: True to its name, short ragweed grows shorter than other species; can grow up to 3 feet in height; its leaves are soft, green, and opposite or alternate; resembles false ragweed.
Environmental factors: Wind-pollinated, with small pollen grains that are capable of traveling long distances; found in woodland and waste places, dry fields and pastures, along roadsides, and in disturbed soil sites.
Cross-reactivity: Extensive cross-reactivity among different individual species can occur.
References
- “Ragweed.” Merriam-Webster. Accessed Feb 20, 2020. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ragweed
- “Plants Profile for Ambrosia artemisifolia (annual ragweed).” USDA. Accessed Feb 20, 2020. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=AMAR2
Did You Know?
Like many weeds, ragweed has been used for various medicinal purposes over time. Its roots have been made into an herbal tea, while its pollen is harvested commercially and manufactured into preparations for the treatment of allergies to the plant.
