Prairie Groundsel
Senecio plattensis
Last reviewed: July 2026
Prairie Groundsel 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"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
MT
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Prairie ragwort is a compact native wildflower that produces bright yellow daisy-like blooms from June through August. This drought-tolerant perennial forms neat clumps and thrives in sunny locations with minimal water requirements.
In an HOA neighborhood
Prairie Groundsel 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.
- Ragwort name carries negative associations
- May look weedy to conventional gardeners
- Yellow wildflower appearance not typical landscaping
Wildlife value
The cheerful yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles during the summer blooming period. This native plant provides nectar resources when many other flowers have finished blooming.
Common questions
- How much sun does Prairie Groundsel need?
- Prairie Groundsel grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Prairie Groundsel bloom?
- Prairie Groundsel blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Prairie Groundsel native?
- Prairie Groundsel (Senecio plattensis) is native to MT, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Prairie Groundsel toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Prairie Groundsel 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 Prairie Groundsel toxic to cats?
- Yes. Prairie Groundsel 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 Prairie Groundsel attract?
- Prairie Groundsel draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Prairie Groundsel HOA-friendly?
- Prairie Groundsel 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 Prairie Groundsel and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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