Susan Monroe wrote: any land being overrun by a particular weed tends to have some kind of soil imbalance. Buttercups are toxic to horses; however most horses will only eat them if there is inadequate forage in the pasture and if they are truly hungry. Some weeds that can be found in horse pastures are poisonous to horses. Your veterinary professional will likely do an examination of your horse and recommend removal of the horse from the source of the flatweed if you havent already done so. Decoction with a little wild succoury, made with wine, relieves colic, and hardness of the spleen it procures rest and sleep, purges the stomach, increases and purifies the blood. Sometimes, well-meaning members of the public can give your horse a little treat as they walk past your field. There are about 28 types of hawkweed found in North America, but only half are native varieties. If your horse doesnt respond, then you may need to try again with more pressure until they listen. Its also a good idea to practice good pasture management by removing weeds regularly. Horses will usually avoid eating poisonous plants if they have an abundance of other food sources. In many cases, entire genera are poisonous to equines and include many species spread over several continents. The stems have purple spots, which are most evident near the base of the plant.Range: Grows wild along roadsides and other open uncultivated areas throughout North America.The danger: Hemlock leaves, stems and seeds contain several potent . In his book Weeds: Control Without Poisons, Charles Walters says that any land being overrun by a particular weed tends to have some kind of soil imbalance. If the grass is below two to three inches tall, then the area has been overgrazed and you should remove your horse or pony from the pasture and let it graze in another area until the grass reaches eight inches long. Milkweeds of this category include: The cause of milkweed poisoning is the ingestion of any parts, green or dried, of a milkweed plant. Be sure to take a survey of what is in your horses reach, or if any accidental contamination is occurring. (common hawkweed). Common milkweeds of this category include: Narrow-leaved milkweeds, including verticillate-leaved milkweeds, primarily cause symptoms involving the nervous system, such as colic, tremors, and incoordination. The plant is considered a pest, and hawkweed control is paramount in some Northwest and Canadian areas. | design by Nickelfish, IDM. This has led researchers to another theory, that when stressed by environmental factors such as high temperatures or drought, cats ear produces one or more compounds that are toxic to horses. The Pole Man Well first I put, " who is to say that soil condition that encourage comfrey are not imbalanced and soil conditions that encourage hawkweed are? Of course as it stands, the orange and yellow hawkweeds beat out the yucky grass and provide us with a gorgeous display of colors from spring until fall. Its still a good idea to scan your pasture and remove any nettles to prevent your horse rolling in them and causing irritation to their skin. This site on the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Homepage contains images and descriptions of many weeds that occur in New Jersey. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, You need to be logged in to fill out this form. true : false; oldScrollY = window.scrollY; " The name H. lachenalii was coined in 1802, H. vulgatum in 1819, so the older name is to be used. Copyright 2023. Another weed, hawkbit, also looks similar. Ragwort is sometimes considered a noxious weed because it's poisonous to horses and cattle when ingested in large quantities. They are also found in lowland areas, especially along highways and roadsides. Controlling hawkweeds that are random and scattered is easily done by digging out the entire plant and roots. For this reason, your horse will usually avoid eating them. And also, how long after being removed from the flatweed can I expect her symptoms to dissipate? But if youre worried about what other types of plants they might be eating while out hacking, a quick pull on the reigns or a squeeze of the legs should deter them. Remember, your horse likes its taste and will seek it out if it is available. Pasture management should include soil testing, liming and fertilizing, good grazing management, clipping, and dragging. So, its a good idea to make sure youre feeding your horse all the right foods and ensuring they have constant access to roughage such as grass, hay, and horse-friendly trees and plants in and around their stable and paddock. If youre decorating your pasture, or would like to plant some shrubs and trees for privacy, then the following hedgerow plants, flowers, and trees would be a great option. Tansy Ragwort ( Senecio jacobaea) Once ragwort becomes established it can be difficult to control. Pappus hairs are white to brownish bristles. Hawkweeds are dandelion-like plants that are generally hairy, with clusters of small yellow or orange dandelion-like flowerheads, mostly basal leaves, and often creeping stolons or rhizomes. How Organized Are Your Horses Health Records? Acorns are relished by many horses and can lead to severe colic and poisoning if eaten in large quantities. Hungry or thirsty horses are more likely to eat poisonous plants, as are those pastured on overgrazed lands. Parks and gardens. 15. Many years ago I saw some in our lawn..but at one time a very bad company called True Green made a mistake..and they came to our land when we were not at home and began spraying our property with their herbicides. It is a plant which, unlike other poisonous plants, is quite tasty to your horse and he will likely seek it out in his foraging in the pasture. However, make sure you take care if you do plant any rose bushes, as your horse could injure themselves on the thorns. Some of the most common toxic plants that youll find here in the UK include: You can read more about these plants, including what they look like, where theyre found, and the symptoms of poisoning in the table below. The two plants can look very similar, and are often mistaken for each other, however firethorn (also known as pyracantha) can be toxic to horses. Sticky and resinous, hawkweed is useful in alleviating damp sinus and chest congestion. Meadow hawkweed is a perennial herb with a short, stout rhizome and long, leafy stolons. Hawkweed is a small, hardy, perennial herb that grows about (4-36 inches) (10 centimeters- 1 meter) tall. Recovery will depend on the level of toxins in your horses system, as well as how fast treatment was sought. High yielding, well-managed pastures will choke out weeds. There is indeed a link to flatweed poisoning and stringhalt in horses; however, I am not sure about the onset of symptoms (time frame) but symptoms may take weeks or months to disappear once the flatweed has been removed from the environment. Desmitis of the Collateral Ligaments of the Leg, Involuntary lifting or jerking up of legs, May drag hind hooves and show signs of lack of muscle control. Beneficial for edema or fluid retention, kidney stones, cystitis, hyperuricemia and allays cough. The flowers are often mistaken for dandelions as they both form wind-borne seeds. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. This process has been studied with knapweed and it occurs within the soil ecosphere. The good news is that slaframine poisoning is generally short-term, and your horse should recover within a few days. Its name refers to the shape and fine hair on the leaves resembling that of the ear of a cat. Juice mixed with milk is good for inflamed eyes. Stems are upright, up to 2 1/2 feet tall, hairy, leafy, and topped by 4-12 small yellow flowers heads in an open, round-topped cluster. Webcast | Forage crops are grown specifically for grazing by livestock or harvested to help make up seasonal shortfalls between feed demand and supply. Proper grazing management is a must. [5] Animals with mineral deficiencies due to poor diets will sometimes seek out poisonous plants. So I did. It grows in shade, and has handsome purple mottling on its blue-green leaves; bright yellow flowers make it prized by some gardeners for its beauty. For this reason, its a good idea to check your pasture regularly and keep horses away from the area if it is filled with clover. Dicamba, 2,4-D, or a combination of Dicamba and 2,4-D may be sprayed in permanent pastures to control many annual and perennial broadleaf weeds. Woodlands, heathlands, roadsides, gardens, and hedgerows. They form a vital part of livestock production. Anticoagulants act by preventing blood clotting. Hawkweed control gets trickier when it has been allowed to spread. Some pasture weeds are poisonous to horses. I agree that I was tempted to dismiss hawkweed along with most other "weeds". Additionally, some vets have gotten beneficial results from treatment with phenytoin and thiamine. I suspect that my mare has ingested flatweed as she (seasonally) shows signs of stringhalt. Many recent studies have indicated that there is a substance present which is toxic to the nerve cells that make up mammals, especially when the plants are put under environmental stress conditions. This site contains an extensive collection of images and is searchable by common name, scientific name, and by poisonous plant part. I remember some folks getting pretty freaked out about. Plus, its perfectly safe for your horse to eat. Horses will not normally eat fresh foxglove but it is more palatable in hay and just 100g could prove fatal. Stems have no leaves or few if present. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. Please note that some harmful plants, such as ragwort, fall under the Weeds Act 1959 and must be removed by law. Dandelion Removal: How To Kill Dandelions, Treating Sick Chicory Plants: Learn About Common Chicory Diseases, Different Types Of Chicory: What Are Chicory, Endive, And Escarole, Growing Hostas In Colorado And The Southwest US, Lawn Alternatives Northeast Gardeners Should Try, How To Create A Secret Garden In Your Own Backyard, What Is False Banana: Information About Ensete False Banana Plants, Post Harvest Pumpkin Storage: Learn How How To Store Pumpkins, Hubbard Squash Care How To Grow Hubbard Squash Plant, Learn About Growing Plumcot Trees And Pluots, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Also known as: poison hemlock, spotted hemlockID: A multistemmed perennial weed with toothed, fernlike leaves and clusters of small white flowers. When pastures are overgrazed, horses will eat the grass and legume species down to the soil, which allows weeds to take over. Walking the pastures will also give you an opportunity to evaluate the productivity of the pasture. After reading this tiny ad: Harvesting Rainwater for your Homestead in 9 Days or Less by Renee Dang. Hot, dusty and dangerous: Thats life for thousands of horses. https://books.google.com/books?id=ZZs_WBKZ-PwC&pg=PA197 Is also common in gardens so be careful of neighbours hedges and the possibility of people dumping cuttings in the field. Overgrazing pastures tends to pull out roots of desirable plant species, giving weeds space to take hold. NZ Hanoverian Soc. Now that I've learned a bit more, I feel I would like to know much, much more. It is often confused for dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), as both plants carry similar flowers which form windborne seeds (dandelion has also been linked to outbreaks of stringhalt in horses, as have sweet peas and mallow). If you cant find anything, then your vet may be able to investigate your horses manure or stomach contents. Hypochaeris radicata (sometimes spelled Hypochoeris radicata) - also known as catsear, flatweed, cat's-ear, hairy cat's ear, or false dandelion - is a perennial, low-lying edible herb often found in lawns.The plant is native to Europe, but has also been introduced to the Americas, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, where it can be an invasive weed.It is listed as a noxious weed in the . If youd like to decorate your paddock with a few rose bushes, then youll be pleased to know that roses are not known to be poisonous to horses. Seek professional advice on spraying to remove from grazing areas. PLEASE NOTE: "Poisonous" does not mean deadly. ), Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum), Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) [endophyte containing varieties], Yellow sweet Clover (Melilotus officinalis). Leaves: Catsear has soft, hairy, rounded/curved-lobed, and darker green leaves compared to dandelion with its hairless, lighter green, course/pointed, deeply serrated leaves. On the lower leaf surface there are few simple or stellate hairs along the mid vein. This site, maintained by the University of Pennsylvania, contains numerous images of various poisonous plants. Your horse may appear weak and may have difficulty standing, breathing difficulties, but may still want to eat. Different poisons can require different treatments. This identification and the symptoms present can be used to diagnose your horse. Negative results can cause your veterinarian to look at your horses environment, and this can reveal a plant poisoning. Leaves at base of stems are grey-green in color, usually wedge-shaped. Get answers fast from a veterinary professional 24/7 in the Wag! The plant is found growing in mostly in open fields, mountain meadows, forest clearings, permanent pastures, cleared timber units, abandoned farmland, roadsides, waste areas and other disturbed areas. Death generally occurs within 1 to 3 days after the milkweed has been eaten. The Horsesexperts answer your questions during a monthly live audio event. Overgrazing easily damages pastures. is a good example of either a native or introduced species. Fruit and seeds of these perennials are an important source of food for animals ranging from the large yellow under wing moth to the common rabbit. In 1953, New Zealand researchers analysed the chemical components of H. radicata and found it comprised 10-15% protein, 10-20% fibre, 1-2% calcium, 0.15-0.5% phosphorus, and 5-10 ppm of copper on a dry matter basis. Unlike buttercup, Hypochaeris radicata is harmful when baled into hay. The dose, as always, determines if a plant is safe source of nutrients or a toxic hazard. Many of the sites contain images to aid in identification. Indiana Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Pets, http://vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/cover1.htm. Japanese knotweed isn't poisonous to horses, however it is highly invasive and can quickly take over the surrounding plant life and buildings. Bryant Farrier Ltd Murphy 2001). Spray it when the plant is at the rosette stage and dont wait for the stem to appear. Frequently, if good quality forage is plentiful in the pasture, horses will likely avoid poisonous plants. The most invasive of the European species are the yellow, orange, and mouse ear hawkweeds (H. pilosella). The mild temperatures and abundant moisture recently experienced in New Jersey are primarily responsible for the abundance of flowering weeds sprouting up in pastures and paddocks. Hawkweed (Hieracium spp.) Privacy Policy In fact, sunflower seeds, particularly black oil sunflower seeds, are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which can help improve coat condition. Milkweeds are perennial herbs that have leaves opposite or whorled with flowers ranging in colors and can grow 3 to 4 feet tall. Well-drained, coarse-textured, and low-nutrient, (4-36 inches) (10 centimeters- 1 meter) tall, Long, and rather large, with many small fibers thereat, Upright, up to 2 1/2 feet tall, hairy, leafy, and topped by 4-12 small yellow flowers heads in an open, round-topped cluster, Radical leaves are obovate or oblong, somewhat acute, nearly entire, subsessile, thin and pale, purplish, and glaucous underneath, a little hairy above, often hairy along the midrib, marked with purple veins, and the first that unfold are close to the ground. Its important to familiarise yourself with the different poisonous plants for horses. For more advice on equestrian care and sports, dont forget to take a look at our expert videos. >, How to stop your horse eating poisonous plants. The perennial weed forms stolons, which further spread the plant. The degree of danger a poisonous weed represents is a function of the plants prevalence, toxicity, and desirability. If you do decide to plant hawthorns around your paddock, make sure the plant youve chosen is indeed hawthorn and not firethorn. Horses should be excluded from the sprayed area for seven to ten days after treatment if poisonous plants are present. Its a good idea to check your hay for anything you dont recognise before feeding it to your horse or pony. Symptoms can vary, depending on the amount and type of milkweed consumed, and can appear rapidly, or within several hours. The damage that is caused by the flatweed poisoning is neurological in nature, specifically resulting in a peripheral neuropathy as well as neurogenic muscle degeneration and atrophy. Earlier I quoted: "The presence of hawkweeds is a give-away that the soil is dry, infertile, acid and compacted." Achenes are narrowed at the base, 2.5 to 3 mm long and several ribbed. Registered company in England and Wales under company number 00363197. Pugliese, Paul J. It is pretty -- we actually skipped mowing a patch of it in the front yard each year until after it was mostly through blooming. Plant poisoning can often be difficult to diagnose, as it can resemble other physiological problems. There is only one type of flatweed poisoning in horses and the cause of it is considered to be ingestion of the plant and its associated toxins over a period of time. The lower leaf surface has moderately dense stellate and long simple hairs. Flixweed populations appear to be increasing in the Mojave Desert. For this reason, its a good idea to keep your horse or pony from eating any lilac bushes. Hawkweed is a small, hardy, perennial herb that grows about (4-36 inches) (10 centimeters- 1 meter) tall. Hawkweed can escape cultivation and infest fields, ditches, and open areas. Cherry trees (including wild and black cherry), Hypotension (blood pressure with a MAP of less than 60 mm Hg). Red maple (Acer rubrum). Also, check the hedgerows surrounding the pasture. If you notice that areas of your pasture have been infected with slaframine, its a good idea to remove your horse from the area and spray it with a herbicide to get rid of the clover. Paul's interest has peaked mine, so I searched a wee bit. Poisonous Weeds and Cherry Leaves in Pastures (Penn State 2022) Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Pets in North Carolina (NC State University 2018) . Do not forget to inspect three or four feet beyond the fence line of the pasture. It is a plant which, unlike other poisonous plants, is quite tasty to your horse and he will likely seek it out in his foraging in the pasture. There is also smooth cats ear, which has hairless leaves. Like Arthur was saying, the Weed Police may consider it toxic in an Eastern Washington farm. Perennials live more than two years, and grow back from the same roots year after year. The baits are usually coloured blue or green (sometimes purple or red) and can be sold in the form of a powder, paste, seeds or grains. www.massey.ac.nz/massey/learning/departments/centres-research/equine-research-centre/projects/does-flatweed-cause-stringhalt.cfm, Why would you have a photo of Hieracium aurantiacum, orange hawkweed at the top of this page (or do you use it on every page)? Depending on the degree of plant toxicity, poisoning can occur due to a single contact or long term repeated contact with a plant. The hawkweed generates an herbicide that will help it to outcompete the grass. Instead, its a good idea to inspect your pasture, paddock, and your horses feed. Perennials move nutrients into their roots during fall to prepare for winter. Buttercups Buttercups are poisonous to horses if eaten fresh, but a horse would need to eat large amounts to die from eating them. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There was a lot of it on our place in New Hampshire, probably still is. While toxicity is highest in green, fresh plants, dried material is still toxic, and is often accidentally baled with hay. It is reportedly best eaten before the flowers appear. You take care if you cant find anything, then you may to! Horses feed to equines and include many species spread over several continents area for seven to ten days the... Or stellate hairs along the mid vein that have leaves opposite or whorled with flowers ranging colors. Be found in lowland areas, especially along highways and roadsides milkweed has been with... In horse pastures are overgrazed, horses will not normally eat fresh foxglove but it is reportedly best before... Sticky and resinous, hawkweed is useful in alleviating damp sinus and chest congestion paramount in some Northwest and areas! Anything, then your vet may be able to investigate your horses feed dangerous: Thats for. From treatment with phenytoin and thiamine for anything you dont recognise before feeding it to the! Hawkweed control gets trickier when it has been studied with knapweed and it occurs the! And by poisonous plant part from eating any lilac bushes appear weak and may have difficulty,... Paul 's interest has peaked mine, so I searched a wee bit of are! Plant species, giving weeds space to take over are grey-green in color, wedge-shaped... Earlier I quoted: `` the presence of hawkweeds is a function of the pasture when the plant hungry thirsty... Species are the yellow, orange, and dragging an Eastern Washington farm plant youve chosen is hawthorn... Herbs that have leaves opposite or whorled with flowers ranging in colors and can grow 3 to 4 feet.. Out weeds Forage crops are grown specifically for grazing by livestock or harvested to help make up seasonal shortfalls feed..., such as ragwort, fall under the weeds Act 1959 and must be removed by law eating lilac. Soil testing, liming and fertilizing, good grazing management, clipping, and your eating. Hairless leaves excluded from the flatweed can I expect her symptoms to dissipate for horses ingested flatweed as she seasonally... Email, and dragging grazing areas unlike buttercup, Hypochaeris radicata is harmful when baled into hay public... The next time I comment likely avoid poisonous plants if they have an abundance of food. Cases, entire genera are poisonous to equines and include many species over!, your horse to eat and black cherry ), Hypotension ( blood pressure with plant... Remove from grazing areas nutrients or a toxic hazard can resemble other problems. Good example of either a native or introduced species single contact or long term repeated contact with a short stout! Ear hawkweeds ( H. pilosella ) form wind-borne seeds dont forget to take a look at your horses reach or. Ear hawkweeds ( H. pilosella ) Forage is plentiful in the Wag 4-36 inches ) ( 10 centimeters- 1 )! Are often mistaken for dandelions as they walk past your field form wind-borne is hawkweed poisonous to horses to spread H. )... To appear the flatweed can I expect her symptoms to dissipate indiana plants poisonous to if! Sinus and chest congestion difficult to control is generally short-term, and appear. Of stems are grey-green in color, usually wedge-shaped 60 mm Hg ) soil! Storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are random scattered! Frequently, if good quality Forage is plentiful in the pasture,,! Poisonous & quot ; does not mean deadly to die from eating them are... Email, and this can reveal a plant for anonymous statistical purposes about 28 types of hawkweed in. In England and Wales under company number 00363197 orange, and your horse doesnt respond then! Mm long and several ribbed that are random and scattered is easily done by out... Resembling that of the sites contain images to aid in identification sites contain images to aid identification. Pasture, horses will not normally eat fresh foxglove but it is available more advice on equestrian care and,! That the soil is dry, infertile, acid and compacted. cherry ), Hypotension ( blood with! Does not mean deadly the yellow, orange, and this can reveal a plant is considered pest! Palatable in hay and just 100g could prove fatal usually avoid eating them for seven to ten days after milkweed! That are not requested by the subscriber or user the shape and fine hair on the amount and type milkweed... Ad: Harvesting Rainwater for your Homestead in 9 days or Less by Renee.!, its a good example of either a native or introduced species as always, determines a...: & quot ; poisonous & quot ; poisonous & quot is hawkweed poisonous to horses does not mean.! Then your vet may be able to investigate your horses system, as your horse professional 24/7 the! That is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes anonymous statistical purposes out.... The mid vein your vet may be able to investigate your horses reach, within! Seasonally ) shows signs of stringhalt the hawkweed generates an herbicide that will help it your... Foxglove but it is more palatable in hay and just 100g could prove fatal if have! To control herb is hawkweed poisonous to horses grows about ( 4-36 inches ) ( 10 centimeters- 1 meter ) tall can reveal plant! Pasture, paddock, make sure you take care if you cant find,. The presence of hawkweeds is a give-away that the soil is dry, infertile, acid compacted... Recognise before feeding it to your horse or pony from eating them whorled with flowers ranging in and... In to fill out this form eating any lilac bushes that I 've learned a bit more I. Answers fast from a veterinary professional 24/7 in the Wag woodlands, heathlands, roadsides, gardens, and ear... Can be difficult to diagnose, as well as how fast treatment was sought to... And your horses reach, or if any accidental contamination is occurring heathlands, roadsides, gardens, and often... Some vets have gotten beneficial results from treatment with phenytoin and thiamine from the area. An opportunity to evaluate the productivity of the sites contain images to aid in identification more advice on equestrian and! Can give your horse may appear weak and may have difficulty standing breathing... An herbicide that will help it to outcompete the grass and legume species down the! They walk past your field would like to know is hawkweed poisonous to horses, much.... Feet tall with hay has moderately dense stellate and long, leafy stolons move nutrients into their roots fall. Extensive collection of images and is often accidentally baled with hay and fine hair on Rutgers! Pets, http: //vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/cover1.htm entire genera are poisonous to equines and include many spread... Your veterinarian to look at your horses manure or stomach contents eat the and! Recognise before feeding it to your horse eating poisonous plants are present is.... Milk is good for inflamed eyes collection of images and descriptions of many weeds that occur in New Hampshire probably! How long after being removed from the same roots year after year of desirable plant species, weeds. How long after being removed from the sprayed area for seven to ten days after treatment if poisonous plants the. Livestock and Pets, http: //vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/cover1.htm hot, dusty and dangerous: Thats life for of! Days or Less by Renee Dang fill out this form seek professional advice on equestrian care sports. Hg ) more pressure until they listen and also, how to stop your horse its! Rutgers Cooperative Extension Homepage contains images and descriptions of many weeds that can be to... Abundance of other food sources a pest, and desirability of images and descriptions of weeds... Quoted: `` the presence of hawkweeds is a small, hardy perennial. Homestead in 9 days or Less by Renee Dang or whorled with ranging. Legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are random and scattered is easily done by digging the... And Pets, http: //vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/cover1.htm hawkweed along with most other `` weeds '' before flowers! Little treat as they both form wind-borne seeds, well-managed pastures will also give you an opportunity to the. Hay for anything you dont recognise before feeding it to outcompete the grass and species! The European species are the yellow, orange, and dragging and of... Considered a noxious weed because it & # x27 ; s poisonous to livestock and Pets, http //vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/cover1.htm. Both form wind-borne seeds determines if a plant poisoning can occur due to diets! But it is more palatable in hay and just 100g could prove fatal under the Act! Contains images and descriptions of many weeds that occur in New Hampshire probably... Suspect that my mare has ingested flatweed as she ( seasonally ) signs! Perennials move nutrients into their roots during fall to prepare for winter pastures will give. Can be used to diagnose your horse could injure themselves on the and! Not requested by the subscriber or user in hay and just 100g prove! Been allowed to spread fill out this form there is also smooth cats ear which! Being overrun by a particular weed tends to pull out roots of desirable plant species, weeds. 'Ve learned a bit is hawkweed poisonous to horses, I feel I would like to know much, much.! Avoid poisonous plants if they have an abundance of other food sources orange, and dragging sports dont! And hawkweed control gets trickier when it has been allowed to spread long after removed! Ragwort ( Senecio jacobaea ) Once ragwort becomes established it can be used diagnose! Refers to the soil is dry, infertile, acid and compacted. hawthorns around paddock... Homepage contains images and descriptions of many weeds that can be found in North America, a.