06/08/2026
It's Tansy Ragwort season. 😒
Tansy ragwort is neither a tansy nor a ragwort (though it is closely related to the latter). Its scientific name is Jacobaea vulgaris-vulgaris here meaning 'common', though some vegetation managers would say 'gross' is a more apt description.
Native to Europe, this plant arrived to North America in 1913, and has not stopped being a menace since! Not only does this plant spread quickly-with a single plant capable of producing up to 150,000 seeds-but it his also toxic to livestock. While the plant is normally unpalatable to grazers, dried tansy ragwort in hay or other feed is less bitter-but just as toxic!
Tansy ragwort is typically biennial, spending the first year as a rosette. This rosette is comprised of large, leafy greens that wouldn't look out of place in a salad bowl. But don't get any smart ideas! Tansy ragwort is also toxic to people.
Luckily, we can fight back! In addition to management with herbicides, tansy ragwort can be pulled up by hand (with the use of gloves). The taproot can be rather robust, so use of a shovel or w**d wrench may be needed to get the entire plant.
This June let's gear up, step up, and take care of some tansy ragwort! 💪😤
**ds **dofthemonth
