Ambrosia trifida Giant ragweed (Compositae)

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Ambrosia trifida
Giant ragweed
(1 Page of 5)

The Ambrosia trifida plant species is found in Eastern N. America - Quebec to Florida, west to Manitoba, Colorado and Mexico. It is a member of the Compositae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Giant ragweed.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Ambrosia trifida
Common Name:  Giant ragweed
Family:  Compositae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The pollen of this plant is a major cause of hayfever in N. America[222]. Ingesting or touching the plant can cause allergic reactions in some people[222].

Mature Height:  2   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Alluvial waste places, sometimes forming vast pure stands[222].

Edible Uses: This plant was cultivated by the pre-Columbian N. American Indians, seeds found in pre-historic sites are 4 - 5 times larger than those of the present-day wild plant, which seems to indicate selective breeding by the Indians[207]. The following report is for A. artemesifolia, it quite possibly also applies to this species[K]. An oil is obtained from the seed. It has been suggested for edible purposes because it contains little linolenic acid[61, 183]. The seed contains up to 19% oil[171], it has slightly better drying properties than soyabean oil[183].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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