Ragweed (Note: The plant in the image is actually common ragweed, a broadleaf weed, not a true grass, but assessed as a weed species commonly found alongside turf)
Ambrosia artemisiifolia · Warm-season annual broadleaf weed, C3/C4 depending on classification context
Grass Family
Asteraceae (Compositae), not Poaceae
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass and broadleaf weed
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type, no specific cultivars for standard turf management
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9
About This Grass
An annual weed with deeply lobed, fern-like green leaves, growing up to 1 to 4 feet tall with inconspicuous greenish flowers producing copious amounts of allergenic pollen
Blade Characteristics
Not a grass; leaves are deeply lobed, finely divided, hairy, and lighter green on the underside
Root System
Taproot system with secondary fibrous roots, highly efficient at scavenging water and soil nutrients
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to North America, now widespread globally in temperate and subtropical regions
Growth Habit
Erect, branching annual herbaceous plant, highly competitive bunch-type growth
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun and moderate moisture, highly drought-resistant once established
Mowing & Maintenance
Controlled by regular mowing, herbicide applications, and maintaining dense turfgrass to crowd out seedlings; high maintenance if infestations occur
Special Characteristics
Produces massive amounts of wind-borne pollen causing severe hay fever allergies; highly adaptable and prolific seed producer
Ecological Information
Introduced worldwide, major source of seasonal allergies, provides minimal wildlife food but acts as an aggressive colonizer of disturbed soils