Western Ragweed Ambrosia psilostachya DC.
AMPS
Distribution and Habitat: Western Ragweed is found in meadows, along streambanks and roadsides in sagebrush and other plant communities at elevations from 4,265’-6,790.’ It has been collected and reported in Box Elder, Cache, Davis, Juab, Millard, Salt Lake, San Juan, Tooele, Uintah, Utah, Washington, and Weber counties. General Information: All species of Ragweed produce abundant pollen, which is a primary hay fever producing agent in late summer. Tea made from the leaves was used by Lakota Indians to relieve swelling and to stop vomiting. Cheyenne Indians used a tea to treat bowel cramps, bloody stools, and colds. The Kiowa made a salve to treat skin sores of man and horses from Western Ragweed.
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ASTERACEAE
Description: Western Ragweed, also called Cuman Ragweed or just Ragweed, is a native, perennial plant in the Sunflower Family (Asteraceae). Stems are 12”-24” tall, simple or branching above the middle. It is hairy with harsh, spreading, many-celled, hairs with small blisters or pustules at the base. Leaves are opposite, at least below, or alternate, with stalks (petioles) or the stem leaves (cauline leaves) attached directly to the stems (sessile) or nearly so. Leaf blades are ≈1½”-4” long and 1”-1¾” wide, and mostly once cleft halfway to the midrib or more but not reaching the midrib. Western Ragweed flowers are borne on terminal branches which have numerous male and a few female flowers. Female flowers do not have petals and are located in leaf axils. Flowering occurs in late summer.