Weed profile: Burr ragweed
Burr ragweed
Burr ragweed
Ambrosia confertiflora
Introduced from the southern USA and Mexico, burr ragweed infests areas of south-east Queensland and the western slopes and plains of NSW. Plants die back to the roots over winter but grow rapidly in spring and summer and flower in mid-summer. If dry spells occur in summer plants may die back and resprout in autumn.
Burr ragweed is not palatable to stock and by forming dense stands which exclude all other plants can reduce carrying capacity. The burrs cause vegetable fault in wool and are not easily removed because of the hooked hairs. It produces large amounts of allergenic pollen which can cause hay fever.
Status
- Declared in NSW under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 (view details)