The daisy-like, yellow flower heads of common ragwort may be pretty enough to the casual observer, but they belie the poisonous nature of this plant. It is sometimes considered a problematic plant in paddocks and pastures, where it can be harmful to livestock if eaten. It is not usually such an issue in gardens or on waste ground. In fact, it is a very beneficial plant for many insects. Ragwort is the foodplant of the black-and-red cinnabar moth: sometimes its black-and yellow-barred caterpillars cover the plant, totally stripping the leaves. Common ragwort is a biennial, flowering in its second year from June to November.
How to identify
Common ragwort is a relatively tall-growing plant that has clusters of yellow, flattened flower heads, and leaves that look 'feathery' because they are very divided.
Distribution
Widespread.
Did you know?
Common ragwort is one of the most frequently visited flowers by butterflies in the UK and more than 200 species of invertebrate have been recorded on it.
