These yellow capsules are closed but soon they’ll burst open and fling their pollen to the wind.

Last Wednesday I found this giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) growing along Nine Mile Run Trail south of Commercial Street.  The plant is so tall that the flower spike is at eye — or should I say nose — level.  Fortunately it’s not as tall as the record-setting 21-foot specimen in Texas.

Though the flowers aren’t open yet ragweed season officially begins today, August 15.  Hang on to your handkerchiefs!

Learn more here about ragweed and how to identify the ‘common’ one.

(photos by Kate St. John)

UPDATE August 16:  The capsules have opened.  The pollen is out.   Ahhhh-choo!