Ragweed and Hay Fever

For those of us who suffer hay fever, October and the end of the growing season must seem like a welcome respite to the suffering. Not so, the most notorious of all plants inducing human discomfort, is hardy right up to the hardest of frosts.

This would be ragweed, (Ambrosia species), commonly found on roadsides, in vacant lots, parking lots, even along cement walls of building foundations where there is no visible soil.

Late summer and fall sufferers habitually blame the native goldenrods for their pain. These sunny yellow flowers are prolific and signify fall is near. However, goldenroads all have insect-pollinated flowers. Generally allergies to pollen involve wind-pollinated species. These plants produce copious amounts of pollen. (There are exceptions).

In the case of ragweeds, the pollen is armed with microscopic barbs. This ensures that the pollen grains adhere to sensitive lungs.

Further note on fall colour: seems in Halifax County we are just now reaching peak colour. Trees were dull and water-stressed in September, delaying the leaf colour change. After a couple days of rain, the maple reds and yellows quickly appeared. How about in your nook of the Province?


Ragweed, photo by Martin Thomas

Ragweed pollen, unknown photographer