perennial ragweed
- noun
- /pəˈrɛn.i.əl ˈræɡ.wiːd/
- Specialized
:
ambrosía perenne
- Perennial ragweed thrives in dry, disturbed soils across the southwestern United States.
Examples
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Allergic reactions are sometimes triggered by the pollen from perennial ragweed.
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Farmers often struggle to control the spread of perennial ragweed in their fields.
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The perennial ragweed thrives in harsh conditions.
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In Arizona, perennial ragweed is commonly found.
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Perennial ragweed is often found in arid regions where few other plants can survive.
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Allergic reactions can occur when people come into contact with perennial ragweed pollen.
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In dry, barren areas, perennial ragweed can take over and dominate the landscape.
Synonyms
A rough plant that lives for many years and spreads with deep roots in dry places
A tough wild plant with creeping roots that grows in dry, rocky places in the US southwest and Mexico
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a straightforward noun phrase formed by an adjective ('perennial') modifying a noun ('ragweed'), so its meaning — a ragweed that lives for multiple years — is directly derivable from the constituents. Specific botanical details (creeping roots, habitat) go beyond the literal composition, but a B1 learner who knows both words will grasp the general referent.
Etymology
Perennial ragweed combines perennial, meaning 'lives for many years', and ragweed, a weed with rough, ragged leaves. That's why the name shows a tough plant that keeps coming back in dry, poor soil and is hard to get rid of.
