Danish meadows turn yellow as toxic ragwort threatens horses in Denmark

Danish meadows and pastures are currently awash in yellow due to a large, toxic plant known as ragwort, which is raising concerns, particularly among horse owners. Ragwort thrives in the Danish landscape at present, posing a lethal threat to horses. Each year, horse owners and riding schools exert significant effort to eradicate this toxic weed from pastures. However, biologist and lecturer Morten DD Hansen suggests that these efforts may not be effective in the long term.

According to Hansen, maintaining a natural landscape with proper grazing practices is essential to combat ragwort. He asserts that interventions might worsen the problem over time. The plant can reach heights of between 70 centimeters and a meter, and grazing animals, like horses, tend to avoid it while eating other vegetation. This behavior inadvertently creates favorable conditions for ragwort to spread its seeds and proliferate.

Hansen explains that ragwort excels in “disturbed soil,” where it can compete effectively. In untouched wilderness, ragwort is sparsely distributed, but in human-altered landscapes, it can dominate. While humans may wish to eradicate ragwort due to its toxicity, they may inadvertently contribute to its proliferation through their management practices.

Furthermore, Hansen notes that grazing can worsen conditions for ragwort, providing it with advantages over its wild competitors. Although the plant is dangerous to horses and can irritate humans, it serves as a rich source of nectar and pollen for insects, making it highly beneficial for pollinators. Hansen also clarifies that ragwort is not an invasive species but a native part of the European ecosystem, cautioning against using hay made from areas where ragwort grows for animal feed.