Ambrosia psilostachya DC.

Perennial Ragweed

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Perennial Ragweed is a native herbaceous perennial in the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). It is native to the southern half of Alabama, particularly in the Black Belt region. Perennial Ragweed occurs in prairies, on cedar glades, on chalk outcrops, and in disturbed areas with basic soils. It is a perennial with a short or elongate rhizome. Stems are erect, green or reddish-brown in color, pubescent, and 2-4 feet in height. The stems are simple or branched. Leaves are petiolate, opposite or alternate, deltate to lanceolate in outline, and pinnately toothed or lobed. The leaves are pubescent and gland dotted. Flowers are produced in heads. The heads are arranged in racemes or spikes. Heads are either staminate or pistillate. The heads contain only disc flowers and are green in color and not showy. The fruit is an achene enclosed in a spiny or winged “bur”. Perennial Ragweed has been used in herbal medicine to make a tea to promote long life and general health. It contains a group of chemicals known as Psilostachyins that have been shown to demonstrate antiprotozoal activity. The pollen of Perennial Ragweed is a common allergen in areas where it occurs.—A. Diamond

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Native FAC (NWPL) G5 (Global Rank)

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