Also known as Groundsel · Oxford Groundsel · Ragwort
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Oxford Ragwort (Senecio squalidus) is a resilient, bright yellow flowering plant native to Sicily and Malta, often found on walls and disturbed ground.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. Ample sun promotes better flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist during growth; allow top layer to dry between waterings.
Well-drained, tolerates poor soil
50% intensity
Adaptable
50% intensity
Hardy and adaptable to a range of temperatures; tolerates frost.
Low
25% intensity
Feed sparingly during the growing season; avoid over-fertilizing.
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 can be toxic if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows down.
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding, as Oxford Ragwort can be prolific.
Cut back any leggy or overgrown stems in late spring or early summer to maintain a more compact shape. Remove any dead or damaged foliage promptly.
Easily propagated from seed, which can be sown directly outdoors in spring or autumn. Cuttings can also be taken from young shoots in spring or early summer and rooted in moist, well-draining compost.
Division of established clumps is another effective method.
Repot young plants annually or biennially in spring to provide fresh soil and more space. Established plants in the ground generally do not require repotting.
Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes and use a general-purpose, well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Oxford Ragwort (Senecio squalidus)
Where Oxford Ragwort (Senecio squalidus) 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 | Senecio |
| Species | Senecio squalidus |
Similar in genus Senecio
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
