Could you tell me if the plant in the attached picture is Ragweed. As a sufferer of seasonal allergies I would like to stay away from trails where I see this plant.
Many thanks for your help.
Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners.
It is always difficult to identify a plant from a photo. For an accurate identification we would require a clear, close-up photo that shows stem, leaves, buds, flower and/or fruit of the plant. Although the leaves of the plant and flowers are not clearly evident, I do believe the plant in your photo is indeed ragweed.
The appearance and size of ragweed can vary. Ragweed leaves are comprised of a number of multiple leaflets that have a fern-like appearance. This website gives some close up photos of the leaves and flowers.