Jacobaea erucifolia, commonly known as Hoary Ragwort or Hoary Groundsel, is a perennial herb native to open grasslands, pastures, and disturbed areas in Eurasia. It typically grows to a height of 1.5-2.5 feet (0.46-0.76 meters) and is characterized by its clumping form and lance-shaped, pinnately lobed leaves with a slightly woolly texture. The plant produces clusters of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with showy ray florets that bloom in the summer, attracting a variety of pollinators.

Hoary Ragwort is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in a range of conditions, making it a low-maintenance option for wildflower meadows and informal garden settings. It is also used in phytoremediation to help remove heavy metals from contaminated soils. However, it is important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic to livestock, especially horses and cattle, due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and can adapt to various soil types, including medium-draining loam or clay, with moderate water requirements. Due to its invasive potential, it should be managed carefully and not planted where it can spread uncontrollably.CC BY-SA 4.0