Do you experience allergies in the late summer to early fall? There’s a good chance you may be allergic to ragweed and you’re not alone. About 10 to 20-percent of Americans suffer from an allergy to ragweed pollen and the symptoms are very unpleasant.
The plant is incredibly invasive too and is found in many places across North America. In fact, Medical News Today reports, “just one plant can release as many as 1 billion pollen grains, which create future ragweed plants and cause significant seasonal allergies.” In an effort to better understand ragweed allergy, we uncover everything there is to know, including important facts, the common symptoms, and the treatment options available. Let’s dive in!
Interesting Facts About Ragweed
There are several types of ragweed but the most prevalent species in North America is Ambrosia artemisiifolia. Medical News Today says this pesky plant thrives in warm temperatures and the humidity and wind help transfer the pollen across large areas.
Another interesting fact is that the “pollen has been found 400 miles out at sea and 2 miles up in the air,” says the source. It also happens to be resistant to herbicides making it a difficult plant to destroy.