INTERNATIONAL RAGWEED DAY

(Last Updated On: November 8, 2022)

Every year on the fourth Saturday in June, International Ragweed Day seeks to increase awareness for the problems that this invasive weed causes. It’s also a day to learn more about ragweed.

Ragweed is a flowering plant native to North America. However, this problematic weed is spreading across much of Europe, as well as South America and Asia. Climate change and higher-than-normal temperatures may be the reason for this.

Ragweed can be easily identified as it grows upright and has leaves that are feathery and fern-like. Leaves of the ragweed also look hairy. The weed typically grows in heavy, untilled soil. One of the best ways to control ragweed is to mow the lawn on a regular basis. Improving the soil with compost also prevents ragweed from growing.

This plant causes unbearable symptoms for those who are allergic to it. This is one reason it’s important to control its growth. Another reason is the sheer number of pollen grains each plant produces. The weed produces up to 1 billion grains of pollen. The wind, water, and insects spread the pollen. It’s the pollen that causes ragweed allergies. This type of allergy affects about 26 percent of Americans. Additionally, ragweed allergies affect over 13 million Europeans.

Common Ragweed Allergy Symptoms

Watery, itchy eyes
Congestion or runny nose
Sinus pressure
Coughing or wheezing
Decreased sense of smell

For many, these symptoms cause poor sleep quality. Others develop a painful rash after ragweed exposure.
Some ways to prevent symptoms include staying indoors during high pollen counts. Changing clothes after being outside, keeping windows closed, and washing bedding on a regular basis are other ways to prevent allergy symptoms. People who have ragweed allergies should also avoid foods that contain pollen similar to ragweed. These foods include bananas, cucumbers, sunflower seeds, and chamomile tea.

HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalRagweedDay

Every year on this day, the International Ragweed Society holds webinars, educational seminars, and workshops that discuss problems caused by ragweed. Others can participate by identifying whether they are allergic to ragweed and discovering ways to prevent symptoms. They can also learn ways to control the growth of this problematic weed. Spread awareness for this day on social media with #InternationalRagweedDay.