Question: Please help identify? Located in central VT (Barnard). Self-germinated in a small flower garden near my house surrounded by lawn. …
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Question
Please help identify? Located in central VT (Barnard). Self-germinated in a small flower garden near my house surrounded by lawn. Is about 5 feet tall, and the only one. I was referred to you by the UVM Extension Service. Thanks for your help.
Answer
Dear killamfarm, your plant is likely Ambrosia trifida (giant ragweed). This is a native, early successional species commonly found in areas of disturbed soils (e.g., roadsides, agricultural fields). The leaves show an unusual pattern of serrations for this species, but otherwise the images look like a very good match. You can confirm this hypothesis by examining images on the internet of this species.
