Common Ragweed (frequently confused with a grass or weed in turf contexts)
Ambrosia artemisiifolia · Warm-season/Cool-season adaptable broadleaf annual weed
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass or broadleaf weed competitor
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 11
Grass Family
Asteraceae (not a grass, though commonly found alongside turfgrasses)
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type
About This Grass
An herbaceous annual plant with deeply lobed, fern-like leaves and prominent green-yellow spikes of male flowers that release heavy amounts of pollen.
Blade Characteristics
Leaves are deeply divided and finely dissected, soft-hairy, unlike the parallel-veined leaves of true grasses.
Root System
Taproot system with secondary fibrous roots, highly competitive in disturbed soils.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to North America, now widespread globally
Growth Habit
Upright, branching annual herb rather than true grass habit
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred; highly adaptable to various soil moisture levels and drought conditions.
Mowing & Maintenance
Controlled by regular mowing, pulling, or broadleaf herbicides; high maintenance when infesting lawns.
Special Characteristics
Produces copious amounts of allergenic pollen causing hay fever; highly resilient in disturbed turf environments.
Ecological Information
Serves as a host for certain insects and food source for seed-eating birds, but generally considered a troublesome weed in managed landscapes.