Western Ragweed • Ambrosia psilostachya
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: Erect weed with a creeping rootstock; leaves are soft, green, and opposite or alternate.
Environmental factors: Wind-pollinated and capable of spreading rapidly, with small pollen grains that are capable of traveling long distances; occurs on plains, dry fields, meadows, and prairies, along roadsides, and in waste places.
Cross-reactivity: Maybe cross-reactive with other species of ragweed, such as short and tall; ragweed is also known to be cross-reactivity with a number of fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, banana, zucchini, and cucumber.
References
- “Ragweed.” Merriam-Webster. Accessed Feb 20, 2020. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ragweed
- “Plants Profile for Ambrosia psilostachya (Cuman ragweed).” USDA. Accessed Feb 20, 2020. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=AMPS
Did You Know?
Western ragweed is common in most parts of the U.S. but can also be found in northern Mexico, Australia, and Mauritania.
