How to identify Ragworts (Senecio)

How to identify Ragworts (Senecio)

Ragworts belongs to a diverse genus showcasing an array of growing habits from ground-hugging annuals to towering perennials. Typically bearing daisy-like flowers with a central disc surrounded by rays, the blooms present in various colors. Leaves are often oblong or lance-shaped, with some species having succulent characteristics. Height varies widely, with some species towering up to 10 feet (3 meters) and others remaining diminutive at just a few inches tall. The foliage may range from deep green to grayish or bluish hues, occasionally featuring a woolly texture.

Lifespan: Annual

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Ragworts

Daisy-like flowers with central disc and rayed petals in various colors.

Vibrant yellow flower clusters with compact, rayless heads resembling small sunflowers.

Leaves range from lobed to divided, with colors from green to blue, sometimes with stripes.

Leaf shapes vary from rounded to saw-toothed, some with smooth hairs, 2-6 inches long.

Distinctive aroma, blooming in spring and summer, easily identifiable by flower structure and color.

Detailed Traits of Ragworts

Leaf Features

The leaves of ragworts exhibit remarkable variety, ranging from lobed to divided forms. Their colors span from green to blue with occasional stripes. Leaf shapes vary significantly, presenting as rounded, saw-toothed, or banana-shaped. Some leaves are adorned with smooth, fine hairs, enhancing their texture. Sizes typically range from 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm) in length. Veins are generally prominent, contributing to their distinctive appearance.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of ragworts are vibrant yellow, occasionally appearing in white or purple hues. Each cluster features 10 to 22 compact, rayless flower heads, resembling small sunflowers. The flower heads are typically 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, with a dense, central arrangement of tiny florets. Despite their diminutive size, the flower clusters create a bright display. Blooming primarily during the spring and summer months, ragworts flowers emit a subtle aroma, contributing to their appeal. Their distinct structure and coloration make them easily identifiable.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them

Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.