The Ragwort Problem

Ragwort facts

Ragwort contains alkaloid poisons which damage the liver of horses and other grazing animals.
A relatively small quantity of Ragwort can be fatal.
Repeated consumption of small amounts of Ragwort causes a build up of liver damage eventually resulting in death.
Left to set seed one flowering Ragwort plant produces 100,000 seeds which can travel by wind for up to 50 metres and then germinate up to 20 years later.
Animals normally avoid eating growing Ragwort unless grazing is sparse. When Ragwort is pulled up or sprayed it loses its repellent properties but remains poisonous and highly palatable until it has completely decayed.
One of the chief sources of poisoning is contamination of feed such as hay or silage with Ragwort.
Ragwort is poisonous to humans too. Gloved hands should be used when pulling or handling this weed.

Ragtime is just part of the battle against Ragwort

Make sure your neighbours and even local authorities control Ragwort as it can spread quickly. If they refuse a legal enforcement order can be sought.
Any Ragwort surviving after treatment should be dug up. Never cut Ragwort as it will sprout from the root. See picture of re-growth (right) after cutting Remove the whole root using a proprietary tool or other implement. Without total removal, sprouting can occur.


	The Ragwort Problem Ragwort facts Ragwort contains alkaloid poisons which damage the liver of horses and other grazing animals. A relatively small quantity of Ragwort can be fatal. Repeated consumption of small amounts of Ragwort causes a build up of liver damage eventually resulting in death. Left to set seed one flowering Ragwort plant produces 100,000 seeds which can travel by wind for up to 50 metres and then germinate up to 20 years later. Animals normally avoid eating growing Ragwort unless grazing is sparse. When Ragwort is pulled up or sprayed it loses its repellent properties but remains poisonous and highly palatable until it has completely decayed. One of the chief sources of poisoning is contamination of feed such as hay or silage with Ragwort. Ragwort is poisonous to humans too. Gloved hands should be used when pulling or handling this weed. Ragtime is just part of the battle against Ragwort Make sure your neighbours and even local authorities control Ragwort as it can spread quickly. If they refuse a legal enforcement order can be sought. Any Ragwort surviving after treatment should be dug up. Never cut Ragwort as it will sprout from the root. See picture of re-growth (right) after cutting Remove the whole root using a proprietary tool or other implement. Without total removal, sprouting can occur.
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