• Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea)

Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea)

Ragwort originated in Northern Eurasia and is an injurious weed which is dangerous to livestock, especially horses where it can cause liver damage. It can also be dangerous to humans through direct contact with skin and if the pollen is inhaled.

Treatment is usually ongoing and needs a minimum 2 year programme. Seeds can remain dormant and still viable for years  (up to 15 years has been suggested)

Plants can be pulled, spot treated with various herbicides and citronella before the flower heads appear - normally June to August, or spot treated with a specialist herbicide at any time. This option is best before flowering and requires more time and material the later in the year it is applied. The plant is also more difficult to kill the larger it is. Cutting the plant too young can encourage growth and cut flower heads can still set seed. A second or third treatment in the same season will deal with plants missed or hidden at the first attempt, or those that have not been killed by the first application. The dead weeds should then be pulled out and removed if livestock are grazing in the area.