South African ragwort

South African ragwort (Senecio inaequidens) is a troublesome weed in the aster family (Asteraceae). The plant colonizes vineyards and reduces the value of pastures. It is toxic to livestock and humans. South African ragwort may also negatively affect biodiversity by out-competing native vegetation such as grasses and low-growing plants in natural areas such as sand dunes.

Report a South African ragwort sighting

Where it's found

South African ragwort has not been found in Canada. The species is native to southern Africa and has been introduced into many European countries and Taiwan. It grows in a variety of habitats such as grasslands, gravelly margins of streams, ruderal areas, rocky outcrops, coastal dunes, crops fields and pastures.

How to spot it

  •
    Stems and leaves
  •
    Leaves
  •
    Flowers
  •
    Underside of flowers
  •
    Mature seed head
  •
    Seed

South African ragwort is a herbaceous or woody short-lived perennial. The plant has a shallow taproot and can grow up to 100 cm tall. Its stems grow upright and branch from the base. The leaves are bright green, long and narrow. The flower heads are yellow, daisy-like, and reach up to 25 mm in diameter. Narrow, leaf-like bracts surround the base of each flower. The seeds are brown, oblong, rough, covered in white hairs and reach up to 2.7 mm in length and 0.7 mm in diameter. The bristles on top of the seeds are white, two to three times longer than the seeds themselves and readily detach.

How it spreads

Seeds are dispersed naturally by wind. They are also dispersed unintentionally by humans, in association with clothes, shoes, soil, road and rail vehicles, building materials, hay, grain, ornamental plants, livestock and wool.

What you can do

  • Use clean grain, hay and straw
  • Use clean, high quality seed that is certified if possible
  • Maintain healthy and diverse pastures
  • Leave natural items in their natural habitats
  • Brush off clothing and clean footwear and camping gear to avoid spreading seeds and plant material
  • Ensure machinery, vehicles and tools are free of soil and plant parts before moving them from one area to another
  • If you think you've spotted it in Canada, report a South African ragwort sighting to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. We will follow up and determine if further action is needed.

What we are doing

South African ragwort is regulated as a pest in Canada under the Plant Protection Act. It is also listed as a prohibited noxious weed in the Weed Seeds Order, 2016 under the Seeds Act. Importation and domestic movement of regulated plants and their propagative parts is prohibited.

More information

Date modified: