24 August 2024

This week I encountered giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) along the trail at Hays Woods. Though the plant I photographed was still shorter than me it typically reaches six feet tall. The flower spikes are loaded with male pollen flowers, facing downward to dangle in the wind and spread the pollen that makes many people sneeze.

Pollen season has been wicked this year. Today is Day 9 of ragweed which officially started on 15 August. However, thanks to climate change, allergies are starting earlier and lasting longer nowadays.

If you suffer from ragweed allergies your nose knows when it started blooming but you might not know what common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) looks like. What is making you miserable? Check out this vintage article.