Ambrosia artemisiifolia

Common Ragweed

Ambrosia artemisiifolia originates from North America and was probably introduced to Europe through contaminated seeds. The plant can reach a height of up to 2 metres and has finely divided, fiddly green leaves that resemble mugwort. The inflorescences consist of numerous small, inconspicuous flowers and form long, dense racemes. Ragweed is known for its powerful allergen that can trigger hay fever, asthma and other allergic reactions. The pollen is often spread by the wind and can stay in the air for a long time due to its high flying ability. The plant grows on fallow land, roadsides and in gardens.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

Ambrosia artemisiifolia can cause ecological damage as it can spread rapidly and displace native plant species. This can lead to a loss of biodiversity, especially in arable companion plants.

Economical damage

Ambrosia artemisiifolia can cause economic damage, especially in agriculture. The plant competes with crops for nutrients, water and light, which can lead to yield losses. It also increases the cost of weed control and can affect the quality of agricultural products.

Damage to health

The pollen of Ambrosia artemisiifolia is highly allergenic and can cause severe allergic reactions in people suffering from hay fever, pollen allergies or asthma. This can lead to respiratory problems, eye irritation and other allergic symptoms.

Region of origin

North America

Introduction vectors

Agriculture

Contaminated seeds of agricultural crops

Animal feed

Unintentional admixture in bird feed

Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The daisy family (Asteraceae), also known as Asteraceae or Compositae, is one of the largest plant families with more than 23,000 species in about 1,620 genera. A distinguishing feature is their complex inflorescence, which consists of many small individual flowers forming a "basket". This family is globally distributed and contains species ranging from annual plants to perennial shrubs and trees. Well-known representatives are the sunflower, daisy, dandelion and many species of chrysanthemum. Many asteraceae are important for honey production, and some, such as artichoke and endive, are important crops.

Climate change

Ambrosia artemisiifolia has not yet filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It benefits from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will increase. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are soil type, rail infrastructure, road infrastructure, land use type and habitat type.

Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Ambrosia artemisiifolia where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here beschrieben.

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.