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Invasive Weeds - Ragwort

The Weed
Ragwort (Senecia jacobaea) is an injurious weeds covered by the provisions of The Weeds Act 1959.

Young plants appear from the autumn to early June as low growing rosettes in pasture and on bare ground. The leaves are a deep bottle-green tinged with purple and have a slightly glossy surface. When mature, the Ragwort produce flowering stems 30 – 100 cm tall from late June onwards. The leaves are divided into narrow lobes and the flowers are bright yellow, daisy-like clusters each approx. 1-5 – 2.5 cm across.

Click to enlarge


The Problem
The plant contains toxins and is poisonous to horses and other grazing animals, causing liver damage, which can have potentially fatal consequences.

Under the Weeds Act 1959, the Secretary of State may serve an enforcement notice on the occupier of land on which Ragwort is growing, requiring the occupier to take action to prevent its spread.


The Solution
Applying herbicides in spring and early summer is the correct time for treatment.

Effective disposal of ragwort is a major deciding factor in its control. Even when cut or pulled, the flowering plants may still set seed and ragwort has a 70% seed germination rate. All parts of the ragwort plant remain toxic and harmful to animals when treated or wilted.

Warning

Ragwort is a toxic plant and care must be taken when handling both live and dead plants. Hands must be protected by wearing sturdy, waterproof gloves and the arms and legs should be covered. A facemask should be worn to prevent the breathing-in of ragwort pollen.

S H Goss has a high level of expertise in controlling this pernicious weed that has been known to cause such damage and distress.

 
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