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Tall Ragwort

Senecio serra

Last reviewed: June 2026

Tall Ragwort (Senecio serra)
Photo: (c) Senna Bryce Robeson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Senna Bryce Robeson

Tall Ragwort is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (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.

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.