Saturday, August 21, 2010

Day 233 - Oops, Pesty Plant

Like dandelions, ragweed is a weed with a yellow flower. The city no long sprays for dandelions and personally I think they're happy weeds. This other yellow weed however has the potential to make many people unhappy. While the picture looks innocent enough, many people suffer from hay fever due to the presence of this weed. Luckily for me, I'm not one of those people so I was able to get close enough for the picture.

Correction: Seems I need to brush up on my weeds. Thanks to Susan I now know that this plant is NOT ragweed but goldenrod, which is also labeled as an allergy irritant. It does bloom at the same time as ragweed and some say that although it's blamed for allergies, its pollen is too heavy and sticky to be blown around in the wind. Some suspect that since it blooms at the same time as ragweed its the ragweed that is at fault. Hmmm, so much to learn.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have to admit, I didn't even know what ragweed looked like! I've seen a lot of this lately so it must be the season here too...

Your shot is so warm and pretty.

susanvg said...

Actually this looks more like goldenrod (another allergy producer). Ragweed is not as pretty http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek070915.html

Kristy Johnson said...

I've considered a goldenrod shot myself this month! Lots of it around. Love the way that middle frond seems to be reaching for the sky!