Water
Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, especially in containers.
Also known as Ragwort · Saint James' Wort · St James's Ragwort
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) is a biennial or perennial herb with bright yellow flower heads, often considered a noxious weed due to its toxicity to livestock.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers full sun for best growth and flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained, adaptable
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in most temperate climates. Tolerates a range of temperatures.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
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 cause liver damage.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, especially in containers.
Deadhead spent flower stalks to prevent self-seeding and prolong flowering. Remove any dead or damaged foliage as needed. In areas where it's considered a weed, cutting down before flowering can help manage spread.
Easily propagated from seeds sown in autumn or spring. Can also be propagated from cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Division of established clumps is also possible.
Young plants may need repotting annually into slightly larger containers. Mature plants grown in the ground rarely require repotting. Ensure fresh potting mix with good drainage.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea)
Where Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Senecio |
| Species | Senecio jacobaea |
Similar in genus Senecio
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
