Re Ragwort

[showqa]

Hi chaps - hope you're all well,

Been away for a bit and just walked my paddock for the first time to notice some rag rosettes, which I've duly removed with my fork. Thing is, there's a similar plant - though not exact - it has a purple hue to the stems. I've pulled it, to play safe, but wondering whether this is actually rag. My paddock is a bit crater like as a result, so if it isn't I'd like to know. Any thoughts? Cheers all!

 

[piebaldsparkle]

The base of Ragwort can have a purple colour to it.

 

[equiweb]

http://www.equine-help.co.uk/joomla/content/view/57/2/

 

[showqa]

Thanks both - looks as though I was right to pull it up then, although I'm worried at the amount that has suddenly started to spring up. The paddock is in pretty good nic too, so I wonder why. Am I right in thinkig that you cant totally eradicate it - just keep on top of it? Am I also right in thinking that it's harmful to all grazing animals, not just horses? My neighbour has told me to put her sheep on it, but I'd hate to make them ill.