Ragwort v fox and cubs

[earthgraham]

In a meadow near to where I live I always enjoy looking at the Fox and cubs that grow there this time of year but the Ragwort is taking over so fast I fear they will disappear.I wonder can Ragwort damage our meadows?,,

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by earthgraham

That meadow full of Ragwort should be cut as soon as possible, before it seeds everywhere. Ragwort that thick will certainly prevent other more delicate species from thriving. A meadow by definition is not a field of Ragwort.

You know the old saying, 'One years seeding-seven years weeding'. Certainly true with Ragwort.
I wouldn't be too pleased if that were my neighbour!
Dorts.

[earthgraham]

Thanks for reply Dorts, thats what I did not want to hear as the meadow(field of ragwort) has never been cut as far as I know.Going back 5 years I did't even notice any ragwort.

[Ladywell]

I am reluctant to disagree with Dorts as I have tremendous respect for his incredible knowledge but. it my opinion, you should dig the ragwort up by its roots (using gloves if you handle it) and then burn it - don't just pile it up because it will still seed. Mowing it off will cause it to come back stronger next year and, therefore, you have not resolved the problem.

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by Ladywell

I am reluctant to disagree with Dorts as I have tremendous respect for his incredible knowledge but. it my opinion, you should dig the ragwort up by its roots (using gloves if you handle it) and then burn it - don't just pile it up because it will still seed. Mowing it off will cause it to come back stronger next year and, therefore, you have not resolved the problem.

You are of course quite right. I was so amazed at seeing such a sight of so much Ragwort, that my first thought was 'Quick, cut it all down before is seeds'.
I am at this very moment going through my fields, pulling Ragwort, it comes up more easily when in flower, and then I burn it, it has to be done before it seeds.

Of course as you rightly point out, if just cut, as I hastily suggested, it will come again with an even bigger root. I just can't believe anyone can benifit from such a negected field.
Dorts.

[Ladywell]

Thankk you Dorts - I was reluctant to disagree with you but have dealt with this over a good number of years, I would not, however, like to see it competely eradicated as, amongst other things, it is the food plant for the Cinnabar moth (I know you knew that) In case the OP doesn't know ragowrt is much more palatable to horses when dried in hay or haylage and that is where you need to be extra careful.

[Kayleigh]

Isn't ragwort a biennial so this lot will die off this year then it will reseed and grow as a rosette and flower the year after this.

Is the meadow not managed as this would help keep it under control have you looked on it for cinnabar caterpillars..

[Ladywell]

Kayleigh - ragwort is perennial but looking at the photo there will be a constant sucession of plants each year. I had already mentioned cinnabar caterpillars - I don;t want to see it eradicated but ragwort + grazing/hay + horses is bad news!!

[Ladywell]

Edited to say biennial instead of perennial!!

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Ladywell

Edited to say biennial instead of perennial!!

I know its bad news for horses as I used to own one this is why I was wondering why the field has got in this state sorry I didn't see your comment on the cinnabar..