Got hay fever? It’s caused by the pollen of Ragweed (Ambrosia). There are 17 species of Ragweed in North America.

The species Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) has opposite leaves that are up to 12 inches long and 8 inches across. The plant can grow to between 3 and 12 feet tall. Flowers are inconspicuous, growing in cylindrical spikes, a dull yellow green, 3 to 6 inches long.

And the species Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) has leaves that are feathery/fern-like that grow either opposite or alternate along its stems. The leaves are 6 inches long and 4 inches across. This plant grows to 3 feet tall and branches frequently. This species also has cylindrical spikes of flowers that are 1 to 4 inches long. These flowers start as green and turn yellow green or brown.

Keep these Ragweed plants in mind as you sneeze and look for something to blame. Ragweed plants are not pretty and blend right in with the rest of the green plants at the road’s edge. They are not eye-catching.

Don’t blame the beautiful Goldenrods. They are innocent.