Water Ragwort

Water Ragwort (Senecio hydrophilus) is an eye-catching, humming-with-life perennial (or biennial) that feels right at home in moist, marshy pockets of the Wasatch foothills and valleys. Whether along stream margins or in areas with seasonal standing water, it brings a sunny charm with clusters of bright yellow blooms from late spring through early fall.

Tall and statuesque, water ragwort can reach heights of six feet under ideal conditions, creating a dramatic vertical presence. Yet it remains low-maintenance: let it stand through winter to support native bees and other insects nestled in its hollow stems. Perfect for pollinator gardens, rain-gardens, or damp edge plantings, this hardy yet delicate plant fosters vibrant ecological connections—just give it water, light sun, and Mother Nature does the rest.

Photo Credit: Audrey Zharkikh 1, 2, 3