Common Ragwort
Jacobaea vulgaris
Overview
Common Ragwort is the most important insect plant on the Sefton Coast dune grassland and possibly the single most ecologically significant flowering plant for invertebrates. Over 70 species of insect are associated with it — Cinnabar Moth caterpillars eat the leaves (sequestering the alkaloids), Six-spot Burnet Moths and Dark Green Fritillaries feed on the nectar, and hundreds of other insects use it. Despite its reputation as a 'weed' to be controlled on horse pastures, on the dune system it's a cornerstone of the food web.
At a Glance
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Habitat | Open dune grassland · Rough disturbed ground · Coastal grassland |
| UK population | Common throughout Britain; a key native wildflower despite its reputation |
| Sefton Coast | Abundant on dune grassland throughout the Sefton Coast; the single most important insect plant in summer |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Open dune grassland and rough ground throughout the Sefton Coast. Essential insect plant.
Identification
Upright plant to 1m. Deeply lobed, dark green leaves. Golden-yellow daisy flowers in flat-topped clusters. Distinctive smell when crushed — slightly unpleasant. Seeds with feathery 'clocks'.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Walk any open dune grassland in July — Ragwort patches are alive with insects. Count how many species you can find on a single plant.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Common Ragwort actually dangerous?
Common Ragwort contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are toxic to horses and cattle if consumed in large quantities over time. Fresh plants are unpalatable to livestock, but plants dried in hay lose their deterrent smell while retaining toxicity. On the dune system (away from grazing livestock) it is a valuable native plant and must be preserved. Control is only justified where livestock graze.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.