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Texas Ragwort

Senecio ampullaceus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Texas Ragwort (Senecio ampullaceus)
Photo: James L. Reveal / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Texas 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

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AR, TX

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas PlainsEdwards PlateauSouthern Texas PlainsTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central Plains

A low-growing perennial wildflower that produces bright yellow daisy-like blooms from spring through early summer. This drought-tolerant native thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Texas 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 has negative connotations
  • Wild appearance may be considered weedy by neighbors
  • Unknown dormancy appearance creates uncertainty

Wildlife value

The cheerful yellow flowers attract a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and beetles during its extended blooming period. This plant serves as an important nectar source during spring and early summer months.

Common questions

How much sun does Texas Ragwort need?
Texas Ragwort grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Texas Ragwort bloom?
Texas Ragwort blooms in March, April, May, and June.
Where is Texas Ragwort native?
Texas Ragwort (Senecio ampullaceus) is native to AR, TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Texas Ragwort toxic to dogs?
Yes. Texas 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 Texas Ragwort toxic to cats?
Yes. Texas 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 Texas Ragwort attract?
Texas Ragwort draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Is Texas Ragwort HOA-friendly?
Texas 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.

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