Also known as Benweed · Cankerwort · Common Ragwort
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris) is a flowering plant known for its bright yellow daisy-like flowers, but it's also considered a noxious weed and toxic to livestock.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and growth.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, hardy in most climates.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic and carcinogenic.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings.
In pots, ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Reduce watering in winter.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding, as ragwort can be invasive. Cut back dead or damaged stems in late autumn or early spring.
Remove the entire plant after it has finished flowering if you wish to control its spread.
Ragwort is easily propagated by seed. Sow seeds directly into the ground in autumn or early spring. It can also be propagated by division of established clumps in spring.
Cuttings can be taken from young shoots in spring.
Ragwort is typically grown outdoors and does not require frequent repotting. If grown in containers, repot every 1-2 years in spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris)
Where Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Jacobaea |
| Species | Jacobaea vulgaris |
Similar in genus Jacobaea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
