A council has issued a warning to residents regarding a "harmful" wildflower.

Rutland County Council is advising landowners and occupiers of grazing land to report any growths of ragwort, to protect livestock.

Ragwort, which has the botanical name is Senecio jacobaea, poses no material risk to humans unless consumed, but is particularly toxic to horses and cattle – both of which are more likely to eat the flower while grazing.

According to the council, ragwort "plays an important role in supporting biodiversity", while "providing a valuable food source for a wide range of insects", but where the wildflower is found to pose a "genuine risk" to grazing animals "appropriate control measures will be taken".

Residents are advised to report ragwort growing on council verges using the council's FixMyStreet online reporting service.

The council is also requesting locations identified in previous years so these areas can be "monitored during the current growing season where possible".