Ragweed is a native plant of North America. It is a herbaceous plant that is common in tropical and subtropic environments, belonging to the Asteraceae family. Common in roadsides, canal banks, ditches, near buildings and in poorly managed lawns, it is also a major issue for cultivated fields in many areas of Florida. Flowering 4 to 8 weeks after germination in the spring, ragweed will reach heights of 1 to 3 feet at maturity. Ragweed is a very prolific plant, making early identification and control critical. Each plant can produce 19,000 seeds per square foot.