Germany is home to around 30 different species of ragwort - which is sometimes also referred to as groundsel. The plant genus occurs worldwide and includes about 1000 different species, all of which are more or less poisonous. Jacob's ragwort, narrow-leaved ragwort and common ragwort are particularly widespread here.
The shape and number of petals of ragwort differs greatly from that of St. John's wort
Ragwort poisonous even when dried
All ragwort species contain highly toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause irreversible liver damage and death in both humans and animals. Most of the plants are quickly recognized because of their bitter, unpleasant taste, but this is lost in the dried state - in contrast to the toxins, which remain fully effective in the dried ragweed. Unfortunately, dried ragwort is very difficult to distinguish from other hay components.
Identifying features of Jacob's Ragwort
The dangerous Jacob's ragwort grows between 30 and 120 centimeters high. The bright yellow flower heads have exactly 13 ray florets. The flowers are arranged in upright umbels. The few leaves are located directly on the stem, are narrow, lanceolate and pinnate. They are vaguely reminiscent of rocket leaves, but are significantly smaller and darker. Occasionally, these leaves can also be confused with chamomile leaves. Young plants do not yet have pinnate leaves, instead these are indented and arranged in rosettes. The flowers can be seen between June and October.
Distinguish between ragwort and St. John's wort
St. John's wort and ragwort appear very similar at first glance and are therefore often confused. In contrast to the poisonous plant, however, St. John's wort has a flower with exactly five petals and up to 100 very long stamens. The oval-ovoid leaves appear dotted with numerous oil glands. In addition, the two-edged stalk is not hollow, but filled with a soft pith. St. John's wort flowers from June to August.
Identify common ragwort
The common ragwort has a completely different appearance than the ragwort: The plant is only between 10 and 30 centimeters high and has more or less hairless, pinnate to pinnate leaves. In addition, the conspicuous ray florets are missing, instead the cupules are usually framed by ten very short bracts. All other groundsel species have at least short or rolled back, but mostly well-developed ray florets. Also striking is the infructescence, reminiscent of a dandelion, with the numerous white umbrella fliers.
tips
In the past, common ragwort was used in folk medicine to stop bleeding. However, this is not recommended today due to the toxicity of the plant.