Depending on the author and the system, about 1000 or more different groundsel species are known worldwide, but all of them are highly poisonous. An estimated 30 species occur wild in Europe, some of which are neophytes. In this article we will introduce you to some of the most well-known ragweeds.
The common ragwort is just one of many types of ragwort
Similarities and distinguishing features
What all ragweeds have in common is that they are often very pretty on the outside and can cover large areas with a dense carpet of flowers. Nevertheless, the plants are highly poisonous for both humans and animals. All ragweeds have showy, bright yellow flowers that can often be seen throughout the summer. The plants are usually annual or biennial and grow herbaceously. They belong to the daisy family and are difficult to combat.
Common European ragwort species
In the following table you will find an overview of the most common groundsel species in Europe, some of which are botanically no longer counted among the ragworts (Senecio). These include, for example, the water ragwort (today Jacobaea aquatica) or the alpine ragwort (today Jacobaea alpina). However, these plants appear in the overview because they are very similar to Senecio in terms of appearance and properties (especially in terms of toxicity!).
| Ragwort | Latin designation | Happen | growth habit | growth height | leaves | heyday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narrow-leaved groundsel | Senecio inaequidens | on motorways, along railway lines, on construction sites and fallow land, on roadsides | herbaceous | 30 to 60 cm | narrowly lanceolate, sharply toothed | June to November |
| Alpine groundsel | Senecio alpinus | alpine region | herbaceous | 30 to 100 cm | wide, undivided, cordate | July to September |
| Jacob's Ragwort | Senecio jacobaea | Central Europe | herbaceous | 30 to 100 cm | Leaf rosette with about 20 cm long leaves, pinnate | June to October |
| Water Ragwort | Senecio aquaticus | Western and Central Europe | herbaceous | 15 and 80 cm | narrow linear-lanceolate, pinnate | June to October |
| Common groundsel | Senecio vulgaris | Eurasia | herbaceous | 10 to 30 cm | little hairy, pinnate or pinnate | March to November |
| Fox groundsel | Senecio ovatus | Central Europe | herbaceous | 60 to 180 cm | stalked, undivided, elongate lanceolate | July to September |
| Wood Groundsel | Senecio Sylvaticus | Central Europe | herbaceous | 15 to 50 cm | pinnate, dentate | July to September. |
| Sticky groundsel | Senecio viscosus | Eurasia | herbaceous | 20 to 40 cm | alternate, elongate, sticky | July to September |
tips
In the past, the common or common groundsel was used in folk medicine because of its styptic properties. Due to the toxicity of the plant, it is not recommended today.