ragwort

[ rag-wurt, -wawrt ]

noun

1. any of various composite plants of the genus Senecio, as S. jacobaea, of the Old World, having yellow flowers and irregularly lobed leaves, or S. aureus golden ragwort, of North America, also having yellow flowers.

ragwort

/ ˈræɡˌwɜːt /

noun

1. any of several plants of the genus Senecio , esp S. jacobaea of Europe, that have yellow daisy-like flowers: family Asteraceae (composites) See also groundsel

Word History and Origins

Origin of ragwort¹

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; rag ¹, wort ²

Example Sentences

Yes, I am convinced of it; it was that bunch of yellow ragwort on the mantelpiece in my bedroom.

From Project Gutenberg

The yellow flower-heads are not so densely crowded as in the Common Ragwort, and have longer stalks.

From Project Gutenberg

Moths of the second generation often abound at the sugar patches, and on ragwort blossom.

From Project Gutenberg

The male moths are sometimes seen flying in the sunshine and visiting the flowers of thistles, ragwort, etc.

From Project Gutenberg

He was in the act of rising to examine the spot, but he sank down directly, ducking his head behind a great tuft of ragwort.

From Project Gutenberg