UK Flowers: Herbs, Shrubs, Vines & Trees
UK Flowers

UK Hoary Ragwort

Herb Icon Cultivated Flower     First Aid Symbol  Edible Symbol  Mildly Toxic
Image of Hoary Ragwort
Jacobaea erucifolia
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Properties

Property Value
English Name Hoary Ragwort
Scientific Name Jacobaea erucifolia
MainColor Yellow
PlantType Herb Icon Herb
Distribution Cultivated Flower Cultivated
Season Found August (Jul - Sep)
ImageUrl Jacobaea-002
Photographer DP
Location Found Glyndebourne
Country Found UK
Last Updated 03 September 2026
Photo Quality B

Flower Details

Description

Ragwort is a perennial herb that can grow up to 1.5 metres tall, featuring jagged, lance-shaped leaves and bright yellow flower heads. It blooms from late summer to autumn, attracting various pollinators.

Distribution

This plant is commonly found across Europe and parts of Asia, thriving in grasslands, roadsides, and disturbed areas. It prefers well-drained soils and can often be seen in sunny locations.

Medicinal/Other Uses First Aid Symbol

✅ Historically, ragwort has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, its use is not common in modern herbal practices due to its toxicity.

Edibility Edible Symbol  

Ragwort is not considered edible and can be harmful if ingested. It contains alkaloids that can cause serious health issues.

Human Toxicity Mildly Toxic
Mildly Toxic Mildly_Toxic

Avoid handling ragwort without gloves, as its sap can cause skin irritation in some individuals. Ingestion of any part of the plant should be strictly avoided.

Pet Toxicity Pet Toxicity

Highly Toxic to horses and livestock - ingestion can cause liver failure and other serious health issues.

Active Compounds

Ragwort contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are known to be hepatotoxic and can cause liver damage.

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