What is ragweed?Ragweed is a quick-spreading, annual plant native toNorth America. Its pollen is the number one cause ofhay fever and other seasonal respiratory allergies.

Nothing to sneeze at!Medically speaking, ragweed pollen stimulatesantibody production, which triggers the release ofhistamine in the body. Histamines, in turn, causenasal congestion, tearing eyes, chronic sneezing anditchy nose and throat. Severity varies with theindividual, but repeat attacks may lead to the onsetof asthma and/or secondary infections that cancause sinusitis, headaches, and insomnia.

The Direction de la santé publique de Montréalestimates that 10 per cent of Quebec's populationsuffers from allergies caused by ragweed.

What does ragweed look like?This annual plant looks quite harmless andresembles most other weeds. Common ragweedreaches an average height of 70 cm (or just over 2feet). Its hairy stem is crowned by narrow, grayish-green leaves with jagged edges. During the months ofJune and July, the plant sprouts tiny green flowersclustered in the shape of a spike at the end of thestems. In August, the flowers bloom, releasing billionsof pollen grains into the air.

Where does it grow?Ragweed takes hold quickly andcan grow in practically any typeof soil. You will find it aroundsidewalk edges, railroad rights-of-way, back lanes, exposed rockcrevices, construction sites,vacant lots, or even in the backof your garden.

How do I get rid of ragweed?In Westmount, all residents are responsible forensuring that there is no ragweed on their ownproperty.

x If there are just a few plants, simply pull them up or mowthem. Be careful, however, as timing is important. Onlymow over ragweed during the months of June or July,before it flowers. Otherwise, mowing will only spread thepollen further, making the problem worse. Ragweed plantscan also be disposed of in Westmount’s curbside gardenwaste collection every Wednesday from April to November.

x Mow your garden (or have it mown) evenly, on a regularbasis, especially at the edge of your property, taking care tofill in any bare spots.

x Sow new plant species that will compete with the ragweed,and prevent it from taking hold.

If you find ragweed along a City street or back lane,or in a public green space in Westmount, you shouldcontact the Public Works Department immediately torequest that it be removed.

More information...For more information on ragweed and its disposal,contact Westmount’s Public Works Department:

_ 514 989-5268k www.westmount.org

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