Annual Ragweed
Ambrosia artemisiifolia
- Native to:
- Canada, Prince Edward I., United States
Marie Majaura
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Ambrosia
- Species:
- Ambrosia artemisiifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- AMAR2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- green
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★★★☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
ambrosia plume moth (Adaina ambrosiae), Bidens borer (Epiblema otiosana), Bucculatrix agnella, Bucculatrix ambrosiaefoliella, Cremastobombycia ambrosiella, Dichomeris juncidella, Dichomeris washingtoniella, Helcystogramma chambersella, Nevada buck moth (Hemileuca nevadensis), Oidaematophorus inquinatus, Ragweed Borer Moth (Epiblema strenuana), Rivulose Flower Moth (Schinia rivulosa), sparganothis fruitworm moth (Sparganothis sulfureana), stalk borer moth (Papaipema nebris), Tarachidia candefacta, Tarachidia erastrioides, Tischeria ambrosiaeella, Variegated cutworm (Peridroma saucia), Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata), Bordered Patch (Chlosyne lacinia)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- poor, sandy, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in disturbed areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination. Germinates readily in disturbed soil with warm temperatures.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI