Types Toxicity Buy News Links Contact Top of Page Top of Page Top of Page Top of Page Top of Page Top of Page Facts about Ragwort 1 Ragwort is one of the injurious weeds specified in the Weeds Act 1959. Owners of livestock may only become aware of a problem once these clinical signs appear and by which time it is too late. Description Tansy Ragwort or Common Ragwort, Senecio jacobaea, is usually considered to be a biennial, over wintering either as seeds or as rosettes, but it is also capable of becoming a perennial through environmental stress or interference by competitors, herbivores, or control tactics. The plant is erect and robust, ranging from about 1.3 to 6 ft tall, and develops a stout taproot from which grow numerous fleshy roots extending to about 1 ft deep.
Leaves are light to dark green and deeply lobed.
The lower leaves form a rosette which die back when flowering is well advanced. The upper part of the stem is highly branched and bears up to 250 bright yellow daisy-like flowers. Single plants are capable of producing over 150,000 seeds, which can remain viable in the soil for years. This weed contains alkaloids that are toxic to cattle, deer, pigs, horses, and goats. Sheep appear to be less affected, and can consume great quantities without apparent injury.