Silver Bur Ragweed

Ambrosia chamissonis

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Ambrosia
Species:
Ambrosia chamissonis

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Shrub , Subshrub
Height:
4-6 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov
Bloom Colors:
White, Yellow, Green

Native Range

United States: Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington, Canada: British Columbia

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Western tussock moth (Orgyia vetusta)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
commonly found in coastal dunes and sandy beaches

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seeds are soaked for 24 hours in water, then placed in a cold stratification in the refrigerator for 2 months. Check seeds periodically for radicle emergence.

Establishment: Seeds are collected between April 15th to December 30th. Mature inflorescences are brown. Seeds are burr like, 5 to 10 mm long, greyish brown. Seeds drop from plant when mature. A. chamissonis is found on coastal beaches and dunes, from sea level to 50 feet elevation; from British Columbia south to central coastal California.

Source: npn.rngr.net