Thanks to ragweed, fall is hay fever season for many Americans. Common ragweed occurs all over the country and is in full bloom in Texas in August and September. It is often confused with tall goldenrod, a showier native plant across much of the United States.
The "rag" in ragweed comes from the ragged edge of the leaves found on these inconspicuous green plants. Common ragweed grows up to three feet tall and has muted green flower stalks with white or green blooms. As with other ragweeds, these plants use wind to disperse their pollen – to our sneezing chagrin. Tall goldenrod uses insects to transfer pollen and can grow as tall as common ragweed. Goldenrod's showier yellow flowers appear while hay fever is at its peak, so it's easy to be confused. Don't pull it up, though, as it provides nectar for Painted Lady and other butterfly species. Ragweeds also are butterfly hosts and they may be so widespread that clearing your yard won't solve the problem.
This tip is provided by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. For more information, visit www.wildflower.org.
