Climate change could help a notorious invasive weed known to trigger severe allergy attacks gain a foothold in the UK, experts have warned.
Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is native to North America but since the 1960s has spread rapidly across warmer parts of Europe.
It is still rare in the UK – but by 2050 could be scattering pollen throughout much of England, afflicting new levels of hay-fever misery on susceptible individuals, new research suggests.
Pollen from the plant not only induces severe allergic reactions but also extends the hay-fever season from summer to autumn.
The Guardian: Global warming could spread US ragweed to UK
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