Ragwort
Jacobaea vulgaris
Also listed as Senecio jacobaea
Also known as Tansy Ragwort, Common Ragwort, St. James'-wort
Climate Match for your location
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A tall, upright perennial with bright yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom mid to late summer. Extremely drought-tolerant and often considered invasive in many regions due to its vigorous self-seeding.
Why grow it
Ragwort offers reliable mid to late summer bloom when many perennials are declining, with minimal water needs once established. Compared to cultivated yellow daisy-type perennials, it requires less maintenance and fertilizer, making it useful for low-input landscapes where drought tolerance matters. However, its vigor and self-seeding tendency mean it occupies space more aggressively than most ornamental alternatives.
Watch out for
Ragwort accumulates alkaloid compounds that can poison livestock and some grazing animals, so avoid planting near pastures or areas where stock may browse. The plant's foliage has a somewhat musty odor and can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals during handling or cutting. Young seedlings are easier to manage than established plants, so early removal is preferable if you decide not to retain it.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
European
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A tall, upright perennial with bright yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom mid to late summer. Extremely drought-tolerant and often considered invasive in many regions due to its vigorous self-seeding.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Ragwort grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Ragwort offers reliable mid to late summer bloom when many perennials are declining, with minimal water needs once established. Compared to cultivated yellow daisy-type perennials, it requires less maintenance and fertilizer, making it useful for low-input landscapes where drought tolerance matters. However, its vigor and self-seeding tendency mean it occupies space more aggressively than most ornamental alternatives.
Watch out for
Ragwort accumulates alkaloid compounds that can poison livestock and some grazing animals, so avoid planting near pastures or areas where stock may browse. The plant's foliage has a somewhat musty odor and can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals during handling or cutting. Young seedlings are easier to manage than established plants, so early removal is preferable if you decide not to retain it.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
European
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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