Ambrosia tomentosa is a perennial species in the Aster family (Asteraceae

Asteraceae

The Asteraceae or Compositae , is an exceedingly large and widespread family of vascular plants. The group has more than 22,750 currently accepted species, spread across 1620 genera and 12 subfamilies...

). This plant grows up to 3 feet (91 cm) tall. The deeply lobed hairy leaves grow to 5 inches (12.7 cm) and have toothed margins. Flowers are small and yellow and produce spined 2-seeded burrs

Burr (fruit)

A bur is a seed or dry fruit in which the seeds bear hooks or teeth which attach themselves to fur or clothing of passing animals or people. The hooks or teeth can be irritants and very hard to get off of clothing, such as wool or cotton...

. In addition to seeds it can also reproduce via its widely spreading roots.

Skeletonleaf bur ragweed is native to the Central

Central United States

The Central United States is sometimes conceived as between the Eastern United States and Western United States as part of a three-region model, roughly coincident with the Midwestern United States plus the western and central portions of the Southern United States; the term is also sometimes used...

 and Western United States

Western United States

.The Western United States, commonly referred to as the American West or simply "the West," traditionally refers to the region comprising the westernmost states of the United States. Because the U.S. expanded westward after its founding, the meaning of the West has evolved over time...

. It is considered a noxious weed in several states.