Jacobaea (Jacobaea vulgaris, Fruct. Sem. Pl. 2: 445 (1791))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Gaertn.

Bibliography: Fruct. Sem. Pl. 2: 445 (1791)

Year: 1791

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Jacobaea

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to Mongolia and Caucasus

Description

Jacobaea, scientifically known as Jacobaea vulgaris, is a noteworthy plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae. This flowering plant, first described in 1791 by the renowned botanist Gaertn., thrives across a wide geographical range spanning from Europe to Mongolia and the Caucasus region.

As a member of the extensive Asteraceae family, Jacobaea vulgaris exhibits the characteristic attributes that define this group, such as the presence of composite flower heads. These flower heads are composed of numerous tiny florets, which together create the appearance of a singular, more extensive blossom. This structural trait not only enhances its visual appeal but also plays a vital role in its reproductive process, attracting various pollinators essential for the plant’s propagation.

Jacobaea’s adaptability to different climatic conditions and terrains reveals its robust nature. It can be commonly found growing in diverse habitats, including meadows, grasslands, along roadways, and in disturbed soils, showcasing its environmental versatility. The plant is easily recognized by its bright yellow flowers, which bloom prominently and contribute to its distinctive appearance within its natural habitat.

The widespread distribution of Jacobaea vulgaris, from the temperate regions of Europe to the more rugged terrains of Mongolia and the Caucasus, signifies its ecological significance. It plays an integral role in the local ecosystem, providing sustenance for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Additionally, its presence can serve as an indicator of the health and biodiversity of the areas it inhabits.

Despite its beauty and ecological contributions, it is important to note that Jacobaea vulgaris contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, compounds known to be toxic to livestock and humans if ingested. This aspect necessitates mindful management and awareness, particularly in areas where livestock grazing occurs.

In homage to the historical contributions of botanists like Gaertn., the detailed study and documentation of plants like Jacobaea vulgaris continue to enrich our understanding of biodiversity and the complexities within different ecosystems. Its presence across vast and varied landscapes underscores the intricate interplay between plant species and their environments, highlighting the importance of continuing research and conservation efforts.

Whether admired for its vibrant floral display or studied for its ecological impact, Jacobaea vulgaris remains a significant and fascinating species within the plant kingdom.

Common Names

Dan: eng-brandbæger
Eng: st. james’-wort, stinking willie, common ragwort, jacobaea, staggerwort, tansy ragwort
Deu: gewöhnliches jakobs-greiskraut
Swe: stånds
Sme: jáguspiinnut
Fra: séneçon jacobée
Cym: ‘cowmon’ bach melyn, carnedd felen wryw, creulys lago, eirin y ci, greulys, greulys felen wryw, llys jacob, llys lago, llys y gingroen, llysiau lago, llysiau’r gingroen, llysiau’r ysgyfarnog, penfelen, ragwrt, troed y frân
Nld: jakobskruiskruid en duinkruiskruid
En: Jacobaea, Stinking Willie, Tansy ragwort, St. James’-wort, Common ragwort, Staggerwort, Benweed, Cankerwort, Ragweed, “St. James-wort, Stinking Nanny, Ragwort
Ca: Herba de sant Jaume
Da: Engbradbæger, Eng-brandbæger
Nl: Jakobskruiskruid en Duinkruiskruid, Jacobskruiskruid
Fi: Jaakonvillakko
Fr: Séneçon jacobée, Séneçon de Jacob, Herbe de saint Jacques
De: Gewöhnliches Jakobs-Greiskraut, Gewöhnliches Jakob-Greiskraut, Jakobs-Greiskraut, Jakobs-Kreuzkraut, Jakobsgreiskraut, Jakobskreuzkraut, Jakobskraut
It: Senecione di S. Giacomo, Senecione di San Giacomo
Se: Jáguspiinnut
Pt: Cardo-morto, Erva-lanceta-do-Canadá, Tasneirinha
Pt-br: Erva-lanceta-do-Canadá
Es: Hierba de Santiago, Hierba jacobi
Sv: Stånds
Cy: ‘Cowmon’ Bach Melyn, Carnedd Felen Wryw, Creulys Lago, Eirin y Ci, Greulys, Greulys Felen Wryw, Llys Jacob, Llys Lago, Llys y Gingroen, Llysiau Lago, Llysiau’r Gingroen, Llysiau’r Ysgyfarnog, Penfelen, Ragwrt, Troed y Frân

Synonyms

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Chita (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Krym (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Chatham Is. (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Kermadec Is. (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Montana (introduced)
• New Brunswick (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Newfoundland (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)
• Prince Edward I. (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 24, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2019 by Price Adrian (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by jean-jacques kelner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2019 by johann Aumaitre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2017 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2021 by Bénédicte OUDART (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 20, 2020 by Judith Judith Goossens (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2019 by Kovalik Lajos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by varona nacho (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2021 by 🐞Hélène🐦 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 26, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2020 by Frozy

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Michael (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2020 by Frozy

Taken Sep 9, 2017 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 7, 2021 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 29, 2020 by Jardin Des Cocagnous (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2020 by ukulala (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2021 by Gomez Navarro Jaqueline (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 3, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Dominique REMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2020 by Gaël Herve (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2020 by Gaël Herve (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2021 by mohammad fazel dehkordi (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5388602)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:226649-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Jacobaea vulgaris Gaertn.)

Specifications

Growth