As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have had the opportunity to observe and study the interactions between plants and pollinators. When it comes to common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), it is indeed a valuable source of food for pollinators, particularly bees, despite its reputation as a nuisance weed.
One of the main reasons why common ragweed is good for pollinators is its timing of flowering. While many other plants have finished blooming by late summer and early fall, ragweed begins to flower during this time. This late-season flowering provides a crucial source of protein-rich pollen for bees as they prepare for the upcoming fall and winter months. This is especially important as other food sources may become scarce during this time.
I have personally observed bees, such as honeybees and native bees, actively foraging on ragweed flowers during the late summer and early fall. They seem to be attracted to the abundance of pollen, which is an essential source of nutrition for them. Bees collect pollen to feed their larvae and to sustain the colony during periods of low floral resources. The protein content in ragweed pollen helps in the development and growth of bee larvae, ensuring the survival of the colony.
Furthermore, ragweed flowers are also known to produce nectar, although in smaller quantities compared to other flowering plants. While nectar is primarily a source of energy for bees, the protein-rich pollen is their main focus when visiting ragweed. However, the availability of nectar can still be beneficial for pollinators, especially during times when other nectar sources are limited.
It is worth noting that ragweed is wind-pollinated, meaning it does not rely heavily on insect pollination for reproduction. However, the abundance of pollen produced by ragweed can unintentionally benefit many other pollinators, including butterflies and some species of flies. These insects may visit ragweed flowers in search of nectar or other resources and inadvertently assist in the transfer of pollen from one flower to another.
Common ragweed plays an important role in supporting pollinators, particularly bees, by providing a late-season source of protein-rich pollen. Its flowering timing fills a crucial gap in the availability of food resources for bees as they prepare for the fall and winter months. Despite being a weedy plant, ragweed contributes positively to the well-being of pollinators and the overall biodiversity of ecosystems.
