Common ragwort is a native plant with daisy-like yellow flowers. It occurs widely in grasslands, producing a vivid splash of yellow from June to September.
Ragwort is a natural part of our countryside, gently supporting many species of wildlife and insects that depend on it for food and shelter. But ragwort is also dangerously toxic to horses and livestock. Ragwort should not be allowed to grow on grazing land, as the effects of ingesting this species are dangerous, irreversible, and often fatal.
Correct identification of this noxious plant is essential to keep grazing animals safe and protected from deadly pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning.
Common lookalikes easily mistaken for Ragwort include Tansy, St John’s Wort, Fleabane and Goldenrod
Tansy
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is a wildflower with a pretty yellow flower that contains the same toxic alkaloid found in ragwort. Due to its strong smell and bitter taste, animals usually avoid this plant, but it should be removed to remove any risk. Tansy has fern-like leaves, different from the ragwort plant’s deeply lobed leaves.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort grows in fields and pastures, producing a yellow flower like the ragwort plant. There are distinct visual differences between these plants; the leaves of St John’s wort are oblong with tiny dots, while ragwort leaves are lobed. St. John’s wort flowers contain only five petals compared to the many-petalled flowers of common ragwort. St. John’s wort is famously revered for its medicinal benefits, treating conditions like depression, stomach ulcers and colds. Ragwort is highly toxic and dangerous to ingest.
Fleabane
Although similar in its daisy formation, the fleabane flower is generally white with a pinkish tinge. Fleabane is considered non-toxic to humans and mildly toxic to animals.
Goldenrod
Goldenrod and ragwort are both members of the Asteraceae family, but their flower structures differ considerably. Goldenrod produces lengths of yellow cluster flowers, unlike the daisy-shaped ragwort flower. Goldenrod is not considered toxic to humans or animals.
How to Identify Ragwort
Identifying ragwort is a crucial part of managing and controlling this noxious species. Ragwort has several distinguishing features: its yellow daisy-shaped flowers, deeply lobed leaves and its unpleasant smell! The latter has led to ragwort being called Stinking Willy, an unfortunate play on its original name, Sweet William.
Ragwort begins life in autumn, where spade-shaped, wavy-edged, hairless leaves form in a compact rosette close to the ground. Early taproot branches develop a network of thick, tough roots. Ragwort grows to around 1.5m tall the following year, producing swaths of bright yellow flowers from July to October.
Location
Ragwort is a common sight on grasslands, verges, dunes and wasteland. It is found throughout the UK, thriving on well-drained soil. Ragwort prefers sandy soil, rather than wet, peaty or acidic ground.
Life Cycle
Ragwort is a biennial plant, completing its life cycle in two years. During year one, a rosette of foliage grows close to ground level. In the second year, the stems grow, forming yellow daisy-like flowers at the top. After flowering, hair-covered seeds are produced and dispersed on the wind, after which the plant dies.
Toxicity
Ragwort contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are toxic to animals, particularly horses. The effects of ragwort poisoning include irreversible liver damage. In horses, the damage is often fatal. Ragwort is only mildly toxic to humans. We would need to ingest a huge quantity of the plant before it caused any serious health effects.
Legislation
Ragwort is an ‘injurious weed’, so its control falls under the Weeds Act 1959 and the Ragwort Control Act 2003. Landowners and occupiers are responsible for preventing the spread of ragwort on grazing land or forage, and failure to control ragwort properly can lead to prosecution.
The Knotweed Specialists are experts at removing ragwort. We have buckets of experience tackling noxious weeds and problem plants. Our knowledgeable team can accurately identify toxic species and offer a fully managed service to remove an unwanted infestation successfully. Reclaim your land with the Knotweed Specialists.
Controlling Noxious Ragwort
Pulling up ragwort might not be your idea of fun on a fine summer’s day… but a weed as troublesome as this needs to be ejected as soon as possible. There are several methods of control available.
- Manual Removal – digging out ragwort is effective for smaller patches. Make sure all of the root is removed. Remove plants before flowering to prevent seed dispersal. Be vigilant and keep on top of new growth by pulling up plants as soon as you see them.
- Herbicide Application – this is useful to tackle larger infestations. Always use a selective herbicide to avoid damaging other plants and vegetation.
- Cutting or Mowing – cut plants before they flower and set seed. Note that the root is left behind, so the plant will likely regrow.
- Pasture Management – this involves implementing preventative measures, including timed and appropriate grazing. Overgrazing can lead to bare areas where ragwort thrives. Also maintain a diverse pasture which can keep ragwort under control.
Contact The Knotweed Specialists if you spot ragwort growing on your grazing land. Our expert team will eradicate all traces of this toxic plant safely, working within the relevant safety guidelines. We are PCA certified, giving you complete peace of mind. Knotweed Specialists are your trusted contractor, having successfully treated Ragwort, Japanese knotweed, Giant knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Bindweed invasions nationwide.
