Knowledgebase

Is this a weed or a useful plant? #752150

Asked May 25, 2021, 8:05 PM EDT

I've attached a photo of a plant in my garden. Can you please let me know if it is a useful plant or a weed. Thank you, Al

Douglas County Colorado

Expert Response

Hi Al,
Thank you for reaching out to us.  We spent some time researching characteristics we were able to identify from your photo.  Unfortunately, those characteristics along with the fact that this is a yellow flowering plant, make it nearly impossible to positively identify through a picture alone.  From the picture it looks contained, is in a bed of mulch and also has irrigation, so there is a chance that it was planted and meant to be there.  If you are able, you could drop a sample of the plant off at the extension office and we would be happy to research it further to positively identify.  

If you decide to bring in a sample, make sure to get one or two full stems including the flower and leaves and fill out the questionnaire located at the Help Desk.  We are located at 410 Fairgrounds Rd, Castle Rock CO 80104.  Master Gardeners are typically here from 9am-12pm and 1:30pm-4:30pm Monday through Friday.  The phone number at the office is<personal data hidden>.


Colorado Master Gardeners of Douglas County

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On Wed, May 26, 2021 at 1:42 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

Hi Douglas County Master Gardeners,

Question #0022081 has been assigned to you by CSU E.

Is this a weed or a useful plant?

I've attached a photo of a plant in my garden. Can you please let me know if it is a useful plant or a weed. Thank you, Al

From: Alfred Quartararo
Submitted: 05/25/2021 8:05 PM


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Kind Regards, Replied May 27, 2021, 12:28 PM EDT

Thank you for your response!  I am the original homeowner so I know the plant was not planted and does not have irrigation to it.  I assume it was seeded by the wind but I don't recognize it as having come from my garden.  I will bring samples by either today or tomorrow to see if that will help you to identify it.  Thanks again!  Al 

The Question Asker Replied June 03, 2021, 11:05 AM EDT

Hello Al, 

Thanks for stopping by with your sample plant today. After much research and discussion with learned experts we've settled on Senecio spp., common name ragwort. The plant is poisonous to animals.

It is a perennial weed that has a long taproot so it may take multiple attempts to totally eradicate it.

Kind Regards, Replied June 03, 2021, 5:40 PM EDT

Hello Al, 

Thanks for stopping by with your sample plant today. After much research and discussion with learned experts we've settled on Senecio spp., common name ragwort. The plant is poisonous to animals.

It is a perennial weed that has a long taproot so it may take multiple attempts to totally eradicate it.

Kind Regards, Replied June 03, 2021, 5:41 PM EDT

I removed the weed from my garden.  Thank you so much for your help and advice!  

The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2021, 4:00 PM EDT

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