Aster Family This is the plant that gives the beautiful insect-pollinated Goldenrod a "bad" name because they bloom at the same time. Ragweed probably got its name because people once had to use a "rag" to take care of the allergy symptoms this plant causes! The male flowers produce millions of microscopic, spiky, spherical spores which are spread by the wind. The small, light green female flowers are barely visible in this picture. Great Ragweed can grow over 6 feet in height. I call it "Mother Nature's Revenge," it likes to grow in places disturbed by man! Annual Where seen: Oak Ridge Greenways, Great Smoky Mountains NP, widespread
This flower is a composite, note the tiny individual flowers.
Aster Family Joe Pye was an Indian medicine man. The leaves of this plant were once used to treat lung ailments. Now we can enjoy it for its pale mauve flowers. Perennial Where seen: Great Smoky Mountains NP, Oak Ridge Greenways
