New Zealand Journal of Ecology (1987) 10: 67- 76

The Ecology of Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea)—a Review

Research Article
D. A. Wardle 1,2
  1. Ruakura Soil & Plant Research Station, Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, Private Bag, Hamilton, New Zealand
  2. Present address: Department of Biological Science, 2500 University Drive, N.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
Abstract: 

The available literature on ragwort is reviewed. The ecological behaviour of ragwort can be explained by its tendency to act as a colonising plant, which is encouraged by pasture disturbance. Ragwort-infested pasture and closed pasture alternate with each other, and this is influenced by a number of environmental and management factors.