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Senecio sylvaticus - L.

Common Name Mountain Groundsel, Woodland 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 In open vegetation on non-calcareous sandy or gravelly soils, dry heaths and commons[4, 17].
Range Europe, including Britain, south and east from Scandanavia to Spain the Balkans and W. Asia.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Senecio sylvaticus Mountain Groundsel, Woodland ragwort


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Senecio_sylvaticus-watercolor.jpg
Senecio sylvaticus Mountain Groundsel, Woodland ragwort
http://www.hear.org/starr/

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Senecio sylvaticus is a ANNUAL 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral 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

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.
Antiscorbutic  Detergent

The plant is detergent and antiscorbutic[4].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

See the plants native habitat for ideas on its cultivation needs. The plant has an unpleasant odour[4].

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, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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 erucifoliusHoary Groundsel, Hoary ragwortPerennial0.6 5-9  LMHNDM02 
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 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.

 

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Botanical References

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