Etymology: Ambrosia: Greek for "food of the gods"
Plants: erect, perennial, 12"-40" tall forb with upper branches; creeping, fibrous roots
Leaves: usually once pinnately-divided, lower leaves opposite, upper leaves alternate
Flowers: inflorescence of many, small, green, bead-like heads on 6" spikes; blooms Aug.-Sept.
Fruits: seeds not on fluffy pappus
Habitat: dry; prairies, disturbed sites; in sandy soil
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 2, Wetland Indicator = FAC- USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"