Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (common ragweed) was accidentally introduced into France in the 1860s. Its single vector of introduction in Europe was red clover seeds (Trifolium pratense L.), probably coming from Pennsylvania, United States at the time. A. artemisiifolia was later introduced into France in many places and at different times. This species has no natural or effective seed dispersal mechanisms and the spread of this weed in the territory is ensured by human activities that carry the seeds and create disturbed environments favourable to its development. It is now established in the Rhone Valley and a number of different factors (cropping system evolution, climate change, etc.) contribute to increasing the distribution area of this allergenic species in France.