How much sun does Water ragwort need?

Water ragwort grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Water ragwort bloom?

Water ragwort blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Water ragwort native?

Water ragwort (Senecio hydrophilus) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Water ragwort toxic to dogs?

Yes. Water 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 Water ragwort toxic to cats?

Yes. Water 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.

Water ragwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Senecio hydrophilus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Water ragwort (Senecio hydrophilus) is a perennial forb native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw bees.

Water ragwort is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 and 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

high

Size

24"–48" H × 18"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Water ragwort.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies

An upright succulent-stemmed perennial with fleshy toothed leaves and clusters of bright yellow daisy-like flowers in summer. Grows in wet meadows, marshes, and alkaline seeps.

Growing Water ragwort

Grow Water ragwort in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 18 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Summer flowers provide nectar for bees in wet meadow and marsh habitats.

Common questions

How much sun does Water ragwort need?: Water ragwort grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Water ragwort bloom?: Water ragwort blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Water ragwort native?: Water ragwort (Senecio hydrophilus) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Water ragwort toxic to dogs?: Yes. Water 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 Water ragwort toxic to cats?: Yes. Water 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 Water ragwort attract?: Water ragwort draws bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Water ragwort and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.

Find pet-safe natives

iPhone app Android app