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Madagascar ragwort is an invasive and highly toxic pasture weed. Previously thought to be confined to Northland, this weed has recently been discovered in south Wairarapa.

This yellow-flowered daisy weed is a serious threat to pastoral farming in New Zealand. Consumption of Madagascar ragwort can be fatal to stock, in particular horses and cattle. This plant remains toxic even as hay or silage. Most significantly, stock tend to avoid grazing near this plant, and pasture becomes less productive, negatively affecting animal body weight and milk production.

Madagascar ragwort produces prolific numbers of seeds: a single adult plant can produce 10,000 seeds within 6 weeks of germination, and can produce 30,000 seeds annually. Plants can also re-establish from small fragments of roots left in the ground. Madagascar ragwort looks similar to gravel groundsel, although gravel groundsel tends to be found on roadsides and gravelly/sandy areas, whereas if the plant is growing in pasture it is more likely to be Madagascar ragwort. 

For further advice on identification and management of this weed, and rules specific to your region, consult with your regional council.

Photo: Wendy Bown