Common Ragwort  Senecio jacobaea or Jacobea vulgaris is a specified weed as it can kill animals that graze on it. Even when  cut with hay and wilted it is toxic to horses and cattle. It is not a significant problem in gardens and some claim its toxicity with horses is overstated

 

Ragwort appreciation society wants to look at the myths and facts

Senecio jacobaea is part of our biodiversity and provides nectar and pollen for many insects. Cinnabar moths can be an effective biocontrol limiting growth and seed production. Eggs are laid in May -June and catterpillars feed on leaves in July- August. Thay can strip a plant down to its stalks