ragweed

American  

[rag-weed] / ˈrægˌwid /

noun

1. any of the composite plants of the genus Ambrosia, the airborne pollen of which is the most prevalent cause of autumnal hay fever, as the common North American species, A. trifida great ragweed, or giant ragweed and A. artemisiifolia.

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ragweed British  

/ ˈræɡˌwiːd /

noun

1. Also called: ambrosia.  any plant of the chiefly North American genus Ambrosia , such as A. artemisiifolia ( common ragweed ): family Asteraceae (composites). Their green tassel-like flowers produce large amounts of pollen, which causes hay fever

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Etymology

Origin of ragweed

First recorded in 1650–60; rag ¹ + weed ¹, so called from its ragged appearance

Example Sentences

At the same time, pollen records show an increase in ragweed, a shrub known to proliferate in disturbed landscapes.

From Science Daily • Feb. 8, 2024

Important wetlands along the reservoir, including the Velyki and Mali Kuchuhury archipelago, will suffer from desiccation, and ecologists are concerned that invasive plants, such as ragweed and goldenrod, will colonize newly exposed sediment.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 9, 2023

The app includes a tracker that monitors allergens such as tree, grass and ragweed pollen.

From New York Times • Jun. 8, 2023

Urban beekeepers might want to start growing goldenrod and ragweed near their hives to keep their bees fed, and to reduce the potential damage the bees have on the environment.

From Washington Post • Apr. 17, 2023

Along the edge of the path is a thicket of weeds: goldenrod, ragweed, asters, burdocks, deadly nightshade, its berries red as valentine candies.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood

Related Words

• antigen
• dander
• irritant
• pollen