Senecio jacobaea, (Latin name) generally known as Common Ragwort.
Family Asteraceae.
Height from 0.3 to 2metres, flowers 1.5cm to 2.5cm in diameter.
Native to the Eurasian continent, in Europe it is widespread; from Scandinavia in the north and as far south to the Mediterranean. Found along roadsides, coastal, wasteland, rocky and sandy ground.
A very important plant for a vast range of insects needing pollen and nectar in a hot dry climate, including butterflies. Senecio jacobea is a very adaptable plant, being able to grow in many diverse habitats and is generally considered as a biennial plant.
Flowers from June to October and grows up to 2. metres tall. Produces a large number of seeds which are dispersed by the wind.
More than 200 species of invertebrate have been recorded feeding on the flowers. Also, the plant creates a beneficial habitat for many animals for shelter when its growth is allowed to spread over just a few square metres.
Ragwort is concerning for livestock owners keeping cattle and horses when growing on grazing land, as it is very poisonous containing many different alkaloids (as with all ragworts) and is very dangerous if included in hay.
Images below show the insects attracted to Senecio Jacobea,