Ragwort?

[rscott74]

I think this is ragwort - but which? Sorry about out-of-focus image but indicates base of plant. Flowers are about 1.5cm. Thanks.

[kshotton45]

Definately ragwort. I'd say Senecio jacobaea.

Keith.

[Jez]

I wouldn't have thought so looking at the pic but you don't seem to get many yellow fluers at this time in the year so i cant objectinately differ and plus ragwort/faery stead is still ample in flower!

[AlanS]

From the mixture of characters and the rather untidy growth form I would say this is most probably the hybrid between Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and Marsh Ragwort (S. aquaticus).

It is a common hybrid when the parents grow together and, often being moderately fertile, can persist when Marsh Ragwort has gone from a site (e.g. by drainage).

I had a student do a project on this hybrid a number of years ago and one thing that came out of it was that a number of stream-side populations that, at first glance, were pure Common Ragwort, also proved to be hybridised.

I will not give a firm ID from these photographs, but I am fairly sure of it. I have a continuing interest in this hybrid. "Odd" looking Ragworts are quite often this.

Alan

[kshotton45]

I must admit, the flowers in the second photo threw me. I have based my views on the first photo and the shape of the leaves.
Alans definition is is of great interest.

Keith.

[rscott74]

Hi all
Another image. It may not contain detail but gives idea of setting and structure. Its very straggley and in an area of planted trees (part of Great North Forest?) in the shade. Not usual Common Ragwort area from my limited understanding.

[kshotton45]

Common Ragwort , but I bow to Alans knowledge of the Common/Marsh hybrid.

Keith.

[rscott74]

Thanks for help and info.
I'm used to seeing common ragwort standing strong with lots of flowers and leaves in grazed fields. This looks nothing like that. I'm beginning to understand that there can be great complexities regarding plant life which I will never master. I'm grateful to colleagues on the forum for helping those of us with less knowledge.