Tall Ragwort
Senecio serra
Last reviewed: June 2026
Tall 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 × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Tall ragwort is a native perennial that produces clusters of bright yellow daisy-like flowers from June through August. This drought-tolerant wildflower grows 1-3 feet tall and thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Tall 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.
- Name includes 'ragwort' which sounds weedy to many people
- Can appear wild and unstructured compared to typical landscaping
- May self-seed and spread beyond intended areas
Wildlife value
The cheerful yellow blooms attract bees, butterflies, and beetles during summer months. This native plant provides important nectar resources for pollinators during the peak growing season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Tall Ragwort need?
- Tall Ragwort grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Tall Ragwort bloom?
- Tall Ragwort blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Tall Ragwort native?
- Tall Ragwort (Senecio serra) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Tall Ragwort toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Tall 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 Tall Ragwort toxic to cats?
- Yes. Tall 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 Tall Ragwort attract?
- Tall Ragwort draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Tall Ragwort HOA-friendly?
- Tall 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 Tall Ragwort and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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