Ragweed
Description: An annual herb from 1 to 10 feet tall
with lobed leaves. Each plant bears male and female
flowers. Male flowers have an elongated tail-like
inflorescence at the tip of the stem, and females lack
petals and are borne at the base of the upper leaves of
the stem. Nutlets are dark brown or black, spherical,
and beaked. Three species found in the south are
common, lanceleaf, and giant ragweeds.
Wildlife value: Ragweeds are one of the most important
seed-producing and cover plants for bobwhites. Seeds
are also consumed by many songbirds and Mourning Doves. Ragweeds
are a preferred browse species for white-tailed deer in the
spring and summer. The giant ragweed is of least value
to wildlife because of its relatively larger seeds and poor
deer browse. |
