Tansy ragwort
Warning
Tansy ragwort can cause liver damage in livestock.
About This Species
Tansy ragwort (Common ragwort, Stinking willie, Staggerwort) is a biennial to short-lived perennial that grows in pasturelands and disturbed areas. Seeds are easily transported by wind, soils, human activity, and livestock. A single plant can produce 150,000 seeds that can survive in the soil for up to 15 years. Tansy ragwort is designated as a Provincial Noxious Weed by the BC Weed Control Act, as well as a Management species by the BC Provincial Priority Invasive Species List.
How to Identify
Tansy ragwort can grow to be 0.2-1.2 m in height with purplish stems.
It has bright yellow daisy-like flowers with 10-15 petals each. Flowers are arranged in a dense, flat-topped cluster.
Leaves are dark green and ruffled, becoming ragged in appearance during their second year of growth.
![](https://bcinvasives.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tansy_ragwort004_RMueller-600x450.jpg)
Take Action
Prevention is the best approach.
- Tansy ragwort Factsheet PDF
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If you need advice about invasive species on your property or you are concerned about reported invasives in your local area, contact your local government or regional invasive species organization.
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