Common Ragweed (Intermixed with miscellaneous grasses)
Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Broadleaf weed) and various Poaceae species · Summer Annual, C4 photosynthetic pathway
Grass Family
Asteraceae (Main plant shown); Poaceae (Background grasses)
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass and Broadleaf weeds
Variety / Cultivar
None (Wild/Native population)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-11; dies back at first hard frost; seeds are highly cold-resistant.
About This Grass
The primary plant shown is a broadleaf weed with deeply lobed, fern-like green leaves. The background grasses are unrefined, light green, and clump-forming.
Blade Characteristics
Ragweed: Fern-like, deeply pinnatifid leaves. Background grasses: Medium-coarse blades, pointed tips, folded vernation, no prominent auricles.
Root System
Ragweed: Shallow taproot. Background grasses: Fibrous, shallow to moderate depth with low thatch tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to North America, widely naturalized across Europe and Asia
Growth Habit
Erect, branching broadleaf (Ragweed) mixed with bunch-type background grasses
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred; high drought tolerance; thrives in disturbed soil and varying moisture levels.
Mowing & Maintenance
High maintenance required to control regrowth; mowing should occur before seed set in late summer to prevent pollen/seed spread.
Special Characteristics
Highly allergenic pollen; extremely fast growth in disturbed areas; resistant to many common herbicides.
Ecological Information
Native to North America but often considered an invasive nuisance; provides limited seeds for songbirds but is a primary source of fall hay fever.