Ragwort is a bright, yellow-flowered plant that grows in abundance in Ballyyahoo and indeed in the whole of Ireland.
Its bright colours are extremely attractive to bees as you can see in the photograph above.
However, it is actually quite toxic to some animals.
Ragwort can cause an allergic reaction in humans so if you see it anywhere – admire it from afar and whatever you do don’t touch it!
The flowers of the Ragwort plant are a much-loved landing place of the Irish Butterfly – particularly The Peacock.
Along with bees, you will often see butterflies fluttering their wings on Ragwort flowers.
Butterflies and bees are not the only creatures that love Ragwort.
Legend has it that the Ragwort was used as transport by fairies travelling to Ireland.
Each fairy would pick a flower and sit down comfortably.
Then they would ride the Ragwort across the seas and the skies.
The fairies would then arrive in Ireland in the blink of an eye.
Another interesting fact about the Ragwort is that it is the national flower of the Isle of Man.
In the Isle of Man, the locals have their own special name for this plant – they call it The Tansy.
In fact, the Ragwort has many names.
Some of these names are quite funny – like Stinking Nanny, Stammerwort, Cankerwort or even Mare’s Fart!
In Ireland, it is illegal to allow Ragwort to grow on our land.
Landowners are required to keep it under control – this is to prevent animals like cattle and horses from being poisoned.
So once again – if you see it please look but don’t touch!I
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