Ragweed (hay fever plant)
Ragweed is a plant that is not native to the Netherlands. In recent years, the plant appears to be spreading rapidly throughout the Netherlands, likely due to climate change. Its spread in the Netherlands is cause for concern because ragweed pollen is the leading cause of hay fever worldwide.
The plant spreads quickly via birds, which is why it is often found in people’s gardens. Because the plant blooms at the end of hay fever season, people often suffer from hay fever for two months longer. That is why we want to prevent the plant from becoming widespread in our country.