Short Ragweed

Pollen Type: Weed

Cross-Reactivity: Other Ragweeds, False Ragweed

HS Allergy Extract: Ragweed, Short or Ragweed Mix

Family: Compositae

Genus/Species: Ambrosia artemisiifolia

Common Names: Short Ragweed, Common Ragweed, Dwarf Ragweed

Distribution: Found throughout the United States. Short Ragweed is a North American species that has naturalized in Europe, temperate Asia, India, temperate areas of northern and southern Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii.

Locations: Short Ragweed is typically found along roadsides, in vacant lots, along streams, and in fallow fields. It is an invasive weed in agriculture fields, forestry reclamation sites and other disturbed areas.

Pollination Method: Wind-pollinated

Pollinating Period: August–October, depending on latitude. It blooms in most of the U.S. in late July-September, peaking in late August early September.

Description: Short Ragweed is a rough textured annual weed, growing to 4’. It spreads by creeping rootstalks (rhizomes) and sometimes by seed. It typically has many branches with finely cleft, fern-like leaves and features numerous flowering heads on the tip of the spike. A single plant can produce up to a billion grains of pollen per season, making it a significant allergen where abundant.

Photo Gallery: