2024 has been a good year for the Common Ragwort in Camber. The Dunes and edges of the beach, and most of Johnson’s Field, have been covered in its bright yellow flowers and tall green stalks. Of all the UK’s wildflowers none is more controversial. On one hand it is known to be poisonous to livestock, but on the other it is an extremely important plant for wildlife.
The main ‘weed’ species is the Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea, a native species that thrives where bare ground or thin vegetation allows the development of seedlings. It is also known as ‘stagger weed’. Experts suggest that once ragwort is on certain areas of land, it can be difficult to manage. A single plant can contain thousands of seeds and these can be wind dispersed into fields.
Ragwort contains toxins called pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These, in sufficient quantities, can cause liver poisoning in horses and livestock. It is a cumulative poison that eventually leads to the rapid onset of symptoms before death. Farmers control Ragwort as a harmful weed.
It is estimated that Ragwort supports at least 120 different species of invertebrate, more than any other wildflower. Its flowers are attractive to a wide range of insects including butterflies and moths.
One we can easily see is the Cinnabar moths, who start life as yellow and black caterpillars and are particularly fond of munching on Ragwort plants. Their bright colours warn predators that they’re poisonous, but they only build up their poison after feeding on the Ragwort. Cinnabar moths can be seen flying during the day and night and are often mistaken for butterflies.
So do enjoy the abundance of Ragwort and its glorious flowers in our wild areas but do avoid handling its colourful caterpillars.
