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Senecio erucifolius - L.

Common Name Hoary Groundsel, Hoary ragwort
Family Asteraceae or Compositae
USDA hardiness 5-9
Known Hazards All parts of the plant are poisonous to many mammals, including humans. The toxin affects the liver and has a cumulative affect[9, 65]. Some mammals, such as rabbits, do not seem to be harmed by the plant, and will often seek it out[4]. Various birds also eat the leaves and seeds[4].
Habitats Dry banks, field borders, grassy slopes and roadsides, in limestone and chalky districts and especially on heavy soils[4, 17].
Range Central and southern Europe, including Britain, north to Denmark and Lithuania, east to W. Asia..
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Senecio erucifolius Hoary Groundsel, Hoary ragwort


Senecio erucifolius Hoary Groundsel, Hoary ragwort

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Senecio erucifolius is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

 Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Anthelmintic  Antiscorbutic  Diaphoretic  Diuretic  Emmenagogue  Poultice  Purgative

The plant is used in plasters, ointments and poultices[4]. This species is related to groundsel, S. vulgaris, and is said to have similar properties[4]. These are:- The whole herb is anthelmintic, antiscorbutic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue and purgative[4, 9, 21, 54]. It is often used as a poultice and is said to be useful in treating sickness of the stomach, whilst a weak infusion is used as a simple and easy purgative[4]. The plant can be harvested in May and dried for later use, or the fresh juice can be extracted and used as required[4]. Use with caution[21], see notes above on toxicity.

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have very little information on the cultivation needs of this plant but, judging by its native habitats, it is likely to require a sunny position and to succeed in most moderate to heavy soils, including those of an alkaline nature[K].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ. Division in spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

Coming Soon

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Senecio cannabifoliusAleutian ragwortPerennial2.0 4-8  LMHNM12 
Senecio cinerariaCineraria, Dusty miller, Silver GroundselShrub0.6 8-10 MLMHNDM033
Senecio jacobaeaRagwort, Stinking williePerennial1.0 4-8  LMHSNM022
Senecio nemorensis Perennial2.0 5-9  LMHSNM11 
Senecio nemorensis fuchsii Perennial2.0 5-9  LMHSNM10 
Senecio nikoensis Perennial1.0 -  LMHSNM11 
Senecio pierotii Perennial0.6 -  LMHNM10 
Senecio pseudoarnicaSeaside RagwortPerennial0.5 -  LMNM11 
Senecio scandens Climber5.0 8-11 MLMHNM02 
Senecio sylvaticusMountain Groundsel, Woodland ragwortAnnual0.6 5-9  LMHNDM01 
Senecio viscosusSticky Groundsel, Sticky ragwortAnnual0.4 5-9  LMHNDM01 
Senecio vulgarisGroundselAnnual0.3 5-9  LMHNDM123

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

17

Links / References

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