Ragwort Identification & Control

Identification

Ragwort is normally a biennial, present as a rosette close to the ground in the spring of its first year then growing upwards and flowering during the summer of its second year. It is important to be able to identify ragwort at all stages of its growth and further information can be found by clicking on the flower

.

It is believed that there is a great risk to grazing animals at the undocumented stage in ragwort development - the Seedling stage. Click below to read more

Control

It may be necessary to control ragwort particularly where its presence or likelihood of spreading poses a risk to horses and other grazing animals or land used for the production of forage.

DEFRA have produced a guide on how to prevent the spread of Ragwort How to prevent the spread of Ragwort

Should you decide to pull up ragwort plants, ensure you wear gloves and protective clothing.

Whilst control is important, the method of disposal also needs careful consideration as disposing of ragwort responsibly reduces the risk of further spread by seed dispersal and regrowth from root sections. Ragwort Disposal Options

Last Updated: August 2012