Common Ragweed (Misidentified as a grass)
Ambrosia artemisiifolia · Annual broadleaf plant (not a grass)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Weed / Invasive Broadleaf Plant
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9
Grass Family
Asteraceae (Sunflower family, not a grass)
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type
About This Grass
An herbaceous annual weed with deeply lobed, fern-like green leaves and inconspicuous green flowers that produce copious amounts of allergenic pollen.
Blade Characteristics
Not a grass; has broad, deeply lobed leaves rather than grass blades.
Root System
Taproot system capable of extracting moisture from moderate depths.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to North America, now widespread globally
Growth Habit
Erect, branching annual forb
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun with moderate to low water needs, highly adaptable to disturbed soils.
Mowing & Maintenance
Controlled by regular mowing, pulling, or broadleaf herbicides; high nuisance potential.
Special Characteristics
Produces massive quantities of wind-borne pollen that is a primary trigger for seasonal allergies (hay fever).
Ecological Information
Native pioneer species that colonizes disturbed ground, providing minor seed food for birds but primarily considered a troublesome weed.