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willow ragwort

Scientific Name: Barkleyanthus

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Barkleyanthus salicifolius: Willow Ragwort

Barkleyanthus salicifolius, commonly known as willow ragwort, willow groundsel, Barkley's-ragwort, or jarilla, is a shrub that may be encountered in gardens and wild spaces.

Considerations for Pets

  • Ragwort is mentioned as being poisonous both dead and alive, although this refers to Senecio jacobaea, a relative of Barkleyanthus salicifolius.

Considerations for Children

  • While specific hazards aren't mentioned for Barkleyanthus salicifolius, it's worth noting that ragwort species are generally considered problematic.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Barkleyanthus salicifolius (Kunth) H. Rob. & Brettell
  • Common Names: willow ragwort, willow groundsel, Barkley's-ragwort, jarilla
  • Genus: Barkleyanthus (Kunth) H. Rob. & Brettell
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonym: Senecio salignus

Distribution and Habitat

  • Observed growing in a car park near St. Helen's, although the specific species (hoary ragwort or oxford ragwort) was uncertain.
  • Found in Arizona, specifically in Sonoita Creek, downstream from Fresno Canyon, Santa Cruz County.
  • Grows in Tucson, Phoenix, and Southern California.
  • Observed on waste ground, old dry pastures, and grass verges.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • It is a shrub producing a branching stem, growing up to 8 feet tall and spreading to 8 feet wide.
  • Flowers are yellow and bloom from March to May.

Ecological Role

  • Ragwort (specifically, Common Ragwort - Senecio jacobaea) is known for being invasive and destroying grasses.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Cinnabar moth caterpillars feed on ragwort.

Quirky Facts

  • Ragwort (again, likely referring to Senecio jacobaea) has been described as a "national flower, a poem, a cure for gout and even a fairy transport".

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden offers tips and ideas for gardens.
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center focuses on protecting and preserving North America's native plants.
  • NetPS Plant Finder.