Ambrosia artemisiifolia

Common ragweed is a native of North America. It is a noxious weed in fields and other disturbed areas. It prefers nutrient-rich open habitats bare of other vegetation. It is resistant to drought and high temperatures. Because common ragweed produces an abundance of seeds (one plant can produce up to 100 000), it has huge potential for spreading. The seeds can remain viable in the soil for up to 40 years.The first recorded observation of common ragweed in Europe dates back to 1863 in Germany. Since the late 1900s, it has spread in Central Europe in particular and continues to do so. It has become more abundant in places such as northern Germany and has recently established itself in southern Sweden. It is classified as harmful in Denmark.