RAGWORT is a highly poisonous plant when eaten and posses a particular threat to horses.

Ragwort is a biennial plant which means that it grows from a seed but remains in the rosette stage during the first growing season (winter and early spring). During July, August and September, the second season, the familiar yellow flowers appear. Each ragwort plant can produce up to 200,000 seeds over a 4-6 week period from July to September.

At this time of year horse owners will be topping field or cutting grass for hay. When ragwort is cut it becomes palatable, and when ingested by the horse it acts on the liver which is usually fatal. The most suitable ways for horse owners to control ragwort is to dig pull or spray it.

AVOID SPRAYING

Spraying is the easiest and most effective way to treat a widespread infestation of ragwort, but herbicides work best on ragwort in the rosette stage. Late autumn (mid-September to mid-November) or early spring (February to mid-March) are recommended periods for spraying ragwort, with an appropriate herbicide.

Horses must be kept off the paddocks once it has been sprayed as ragwort will remain just as poisonous as it was in its untreated state. Ragwort becomes more palatable after spraying as it looses it bitter taste when it starts to wilt and die. A period of 2-3 weeks’ rest is advised. The plant should then be dug up and removed.

TOP TIP

A specialist fork can be purchased from retailers to help remove ragwort. The fork has been specifically developed to remove this pernicious weed quickly and easily, without the use of chemicals, even when the ground is hard.

The fork removes the whole plant, including the roots, reducing the possibility for regrowth. Simply place the fork near to the plant, put your foot on the fork bar and press down into the root of the plant then dig it out.

Pulling the plant by hand is another option but it is a very labour intensive method of removing ragwort and the other downside is that the roots often break and leave ends in the ground which are able to regenerate.

Ideally plants should be pulled when the ground is soft, such as after heavy rainfall.

The plant is also harmful to humans, so wear protective gloves and clothing when handling it. Ragwort should be removed before it flowers, but if this is not possible use a face mask to avoid inhaling the pollen. If you do come into contact with the plant, thoroughly wash the area in warm, soapy water.

Ragwort plants should be removed from the pasture and destroyed.