How to identify and destroy toxic plants that grow in French gardens

Amateur gardeners have many issues to deal with in France as they seek to keep their land looking tidy. 

One is ragwort (séneçon), a weed that is found throughout Europe, especially on roadsides, paths and, frustratingly for some, in gardens. 

Unlike its cousin dandelion, ragwort is toxic to humans and animals alike (both pets and livestock).

It is a common plant, particularly in the UK, where debate has raged over whether its benefits – it is a strong pollinator favoured by insects – outweigh its dangers.

There are over 1,200 species of the plant worldwide with three main types are found in France:

• Groundsel, sometimes called ragwort (séneçon commun) is the most common and least poisonous. It can flower throughout the year, growing up to 50 cm high, and looks similar to a dandelion. 

• Cape ragwort (séneçon du Cap) is native to South Africa, and is an invasive species in Europe. It can live up to five years, and is most common in the south of France, where it can grow up to 80 cm in height. Its flower has a bright yellow colour with long, spindly petals.

• Common ragwort (séneçon jacobée) is native to Europe and is often seen in meadows. It can grow up to 1.2 metres high, and is thin with yellow flowers. It is the most toxic of the three and responsible for the majority of incidents relating to ragwort poisoning. 

What are the symptoms? 

Ragwort poisoning affects the liver in animals and humans that ingest the plant although it is rare for humans to eat it. 

Symptoms in severe poisoning cases include loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, colic and photosensitisation, and there is no known cure. 

The fatality rate for horses which eat enough ragwort to face acute poisoning is around 60%, however they tend to avoid the plant given its taste. 

Read more: Book shows how to cook with the weed black bryony in south-west France

What should you do if you find ragwort in your garden? 

If you want to cultivate groundsel, you can choose to do so – some people employ it as a part of their garden flowerbeds. 

However, in the case of the other two, if you find the plants you should immediately remove them from your garden. 

Pull out by hand and burn, minimising the likelihood of spread. 

If your garden is overrun by ragwort, you may need to use chemicals to remove it. 

To prevent ragwort from gaining a foothold in your garden, you can plant grass, and let it grow tall, and keep soils as wet as possible. For farmland, rotational grazing is advised. 

Keeping gardens clean 

The government is currently highlighting the importance of cleaning undergrowth from gardens and properties (débroussaillage). 

Around 90% of homes destroyed by wildfires fail to carry out this cleaning - which is mandatory in many areas – the government recently announced. 

Read more: Obligatory garden clearance in France: New campaign clarifies who is impacted