Ambrosia cordifolia facts for kids

Ambrosia cordifolia, also known as the Tucson bur ragweed, is a unique plant found in North America. It is part of the large sunflower family. This plant gets its common name from the city of Tucson in Arizona, USA, where it was first discovered.

Meet the Tucson Bur Ragweed

The Tucson bur ragweed is a special plant that grows in certain parts of North America. It's a type of shrub, which means it's a woody plant smaller than a tree. This plant is well-adapted to its dry environments.

Where Does It Grow?

This plant is native to northern Mexico and the state of Arizona in the United States. In Mexico, you can find it in states like Sonora, Sinaloa, San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato, and Baja California Sur. It thrives in these warmer regions.

What Does It Look Like?

The Ambrosia cordifolia plant can grow up to 50 centimeters (about 20 inches) tall. Its leaves are quite interesting, often shaped like triangles or hearts. The plant produces small flower heads that are not very noticeable. This is because the plant relies on wind to spread its pollen, not colorful flowers to attract insects. As the seeds grow, these flower heads turn into spiny burs.

How Was It Discovered?

The common name, Tucson bur ragweed, comes from its discovery near Tucson. A botanist named Cyrus G. Pringle first found this species in the mountains near Tucson in 1884. His discovery helped scientists learn more about the plants in this region.