Composting Ragwort

When we're out and about educating the public about home composting we sometimes get asked about Ragwort.   Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) is a specified weed under the Weeds Act 1959.  This is because although Ragwort is a beautiful yellow flowering plant but it does grow "like a weed" and it is a concern to people because it can be poisonous to horses. 

You can often identify Ragwort by the multi petal bright yellow flowers and also by the likely presence of the Cinnabar Moth caterpillars (as seen on the photo) which feast on the plant and deliberately take up its toxins to use as a deterrent to stop birds from eating them.

In terms of composting you can compost Ragwort, yes – of course as a plant it will rot down and form compost - but we suggest only really in small amounts and with caution.  The amount you are likely to come across in your domestic garden should not be a problem.  You should consider your surroundings e.g. if your garden backs onto a horse paddock then you may consider this not worth the risk.  We recommend wearing gloves and handling with care when adding to your compost bin.  We suggest using a compost bin with a lid, because it is sealed unit this will minimise any potential risk of seeds spreading as the plant dries out. 


Like with many poisonous plants the toxins will completely breakdown in composting process and so the finished compost is perfectly fine to use afterwards but you just need to avoid contact with your skin and of course don’t ingest any of the plant (in the unlikely even you decide to eat some!) because Ragwort contains toxins that can be harmful to humans and very harmful potentially even fatal to horses. 

The other concern is that is spreads "like a weed" so if you arent careful you can encourage more growth when your remove it.  The thing to do with Ragwort is pick it before it goes to seed, when the flowers are still yellow.  If you pull it up by the root completely it comes up quite easily and this should ensure it doesnt come back.  Then simply add to your compost bin along with your kitchen peelings, tea bags, grass cuttings, junk mail, cardboard boxes etc and it will rot down in a few months to form good compost.

If you are unsure – follow this link to DEFRA ragwort guide: http://www.defra.gov.uk/publications/files/pb11050-ragwort-dispose-110315.pdf