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Description
Ambrosia Hispida, commonly known as woolly ragweed or western ragweed, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in various regions, including the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and Southwest. This plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and has leaves that are gray-green, lobed, and covered in fine hairs. It blooms from August to October, producing small green flowers that turn into bur-like fruits.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Ambrosia |
Appearance
The leaves of Ambrosia Hispida are alternate, pinnately lobed, and covered with fine hairs, giving them a woolly appearance. The stems of this plant are also covered with fine hairs and can be reddish or greenish in color. The flowers of Ambrosia Hispida are small and green, and they bloom from August to October. The fruits of this plant are bur-like and have spines that attach to clothing and fur.
Care Guide
Ambrosia Hispida is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you grow this plant:
- Water: Ambrosia Hispida prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought. Water this plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering.
- Fertilization: Ambrosia Hispida does not require fertilizer, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring if desired.
- Soil: Ambrosia Hispida prefers well-drained, sandy soil but can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
- Sunlight: Ambrosia Hispida prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Ambrosia Hispida is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ambrosia Hispida is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust. To prevent these diseases, make sure to provide good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering.
Habitat
Ambrosia Hispida is native to North America and can be found in various regions, including the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and Southwest. It prefers dry, open areas such as prairies, meadows, and roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Ambrosia Hispida toxic?
A: No, Ambrosia Hispida is not toxic to humans or animals.
Q: Can Ambrosia Hispida be invasive?
A: Yes, Ambrosia Hispida can be invasive in some areas. Make sure to check with your local extension office before planting this species.
Q: How do I propagate Ambrosia Hispida?
A: Ambrosia Hispida can be propagated by seed or division in the spring or fall.
Q: Does Ambrosia Hispida have any medicinal properties?
A: Some Native American tribes have used Ambrosia Hispida for medicinal purposes, including treating respiratory and digestive problems.
Related Plants
- Ambrosia Artemisiifolia
- Ambrosia Psilostachya
- Ambrosia Trifida
References
- USDA Plants Database. Ambrosia Hispida. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=AMHI2
- Missouri Botanical Garden. Ambrosia Hispida. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b332
- Native American Ethnobotany Database. Ambrosia Hispida. http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=ambrosia+hispida
