Ambrosia trifida, the giant ragweed, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae.

Widespread seed dispersal occurs when its spiny burs fall off the plant and are carried to new habitat by people, animals, machinery, or flowing water.

[10] Also, interest is great in preventing the spread of this plant because its pollen is a significant human allergen.

[12] It is one of the most familiar allergenic ragweeds, and residents of different regions begin to experience allergic symptoms as the plant spreads into the area.

The Cherokee used it as a remedy for insect stings, hives, fever, and pneumonia, and the Iroquois used it to treat diarrhea.

[14] The plant is suspected to have been domesticated by Native Americans as a oily seed crop as early as 1200BCE.