Oxford Ragwort is a
non-native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in railway tracks, roadsides and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 50cm.
Oxford Ragwort is a native of rocky areas of Sicily and was introduced into the UK as an 'escape' from Oxford Botanic Garden in the late eighteenth century. It can be seen growing amongst the stone chippings of railway tracks and has used the railways to spread rapidly across mainland UK.
Botanic classification and naming: Oxford Ragwort is a member of the Daisy (Asteraceae) family. The genus name
'Senecio' identifies the plant as a Ragwort and its species name 'squalidus' means 'bad-smelling plant'.
Concerns: Oxford Ragwort is toxic, causing poisoning to cattle, sheep and horses, including liver damage.
Benefits: Oxford Ragwort provides a food source for Gall flies.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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