Silver burr ragweed facts for kids
Ambrosia chamissonis is a type of ragweed plant. People often call it silver burr ragweed, silver beachweed, or silver beach bur. This plant grows along the coastlines of western North America, from Alaska all the way down to Baja California. It likes to live on beaches and in other sandy areas near the ocean.
Quick facts for kids Silver burr ragweed |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ambrosia
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| Species: |
chamissonis
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What Does Silver Beachweed Look Like?
Ambrosia chamissonis is a large plant that spreads out widely. It can grow to be more than 3 metres (9.8 ft) across. Its stems can be rough or soft to the touch. They also have ridges running along them.
Leaves and Color
The plant has many leaves, each a few centimeters long. These leaves feel woolly and have a pretty silver-green color. Their shape can be different from one plant to another.
Flowers and Fruit
This plant is monoecious. This means each individual plant has both male and female flowers. The male flower heads are at the very top of the plant's flower cluster. They contain many pale-colored small flowers.
Below the male flowers, you will find the female flower heads grouped together. Each female head has just one tiny flower. This tiny flower later grows into a fruit. The fruit is a brown, spiky bur that can be up to a centimeter wide. These burs are covered in sharp spines.
