Ambrosia tomentosa, the skeletonleaf bur ragweed,Eastern Colorado Wildflowers, Ambrosia tomentosa (Skeletonleaf Burr Ragweed or Skeletonleaf Bursage) silverleaf povertyweed, or skeleton-leaf bursage,Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, skeletonleaf bursage Ambrosia tomentosa Nutt. is a North American species of perennial plants in the family Asteraceae.
Skeletonleaf bur ragweed is native to the west-central part of the United States, primarily the western Great Plains, the Colorado Plateau, and eastern Great Basin.United States Department of Agriculture plants profile accessed 2.14.2013Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map It is often found growing alongside roads and in the sandy parts of plains.
It is considered a noxious weed in several states.University of Wyoming, Department of Ecosystem Science & Management, Skeletonleaf Bursage, Ambrosia tomentosa It is also considered a severe allergen.
Description Ambrosia tomentosa grows up to 3 feet (91 cm) tall. The deeply lobed hairy leaves grow to 5 inches (12.7 cm) and have toothed margins. Flowers are small and yellow and produce spined 2-seeded burrs. In addition to seeds it can also reproduce via its widely spreading roots.Idaho's Noxious Weeds – Skeletonleaf Bursage Retrieved 2010-03-25.Flora of North America Vol. 21 Page 17 Ambrosia tomentosa Nuttall, Gen. N. Amer. Pl. 2: 186. 1818.
References
External links