Broom-like Ragwort
Senecio spartioides
Last reviewed: June 2026
Broom-like Ragwort is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, KS and 7 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Broom groundsel is a native wildflower with narrow, thread-like leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers. This drought-tolerant perennial blooms from June through September, creating cheerful summer color with minimal water needs.
In an HOA neighborhood
Broom-like Ragwort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Sparse, weedy appearance especially when not blooming
- Common name 'groundsel' associated with weeds
- Informal growth habit lacks typical landscaped look
Wildlife value
The long blooming period provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and beetles throughout summer and early fall. Seeds also attract small birds and provide late-season wildlife food.
Common questions
- How much sun does Broom-like Ragwort need?
- Broom-like Ragwort grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Broom-like Ragwort bloom?
- Broom-like Ragwort blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Broom-like Ragwort native?
- Broom-like Ragwort (Senecio spartioides) is native to AZ, CA, CO, KS and 7 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Broom-like Ragwort toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Broom-like Ragwort is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Broom-like Ragwort toxic to cats?
- Yes. Broom-like Ragwort is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- What pollinators does Broom-like Ragwort attract?
- Broom-like Ragwort draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Broom-like Ragwort HOA-friendly?
- Broom-like Ragwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Broom-like Ragwort and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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