Senecio psilocarpus
Swamp Fireweed, Smooth-fruited Groundsel
Erect mostly unbranched annual herb on a perennial rootstock.
Additional information
- SynonymSenecio sp. aff. squarrosus (South West Swamps)
- FamilyAsteraceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Sizeto 80 cm high
- Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
- LeavesStalkless leaves, upper leaves with ear-like lobes at the base, lance-shaped, sometimes broader towards the tip, 3-12 cm x 5-13 mm. Scattered teeth on margins.
- Flower colourYellow
- Flowering timeNovember to March
- FlowersTerminal spray of 2-20 cylindric daisy flowerheads, lacking ray florets. 40-70 florets per flowerhead. Seeds shiny, red.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsWinter-wet swampy soils. Full sun, semi shade. Limited to one known location in south of the Shire.
- Garden useFast growing herb for a moist garden, growing naturally amongst other herbs.
- Commercially availableNever
- Conservation statusVulnerable in Victoria to continued depletion. Known from one site in the Shire.
- Related speciesS. psilocarpus has been separated from Senecio squarrosus. The latter is more hairy with larger flowerheads and bands of hairs on the blackish seeds. It occurs in a less aquatic site.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 3 Russell Best, NatureShare ©; 2 David Pitts, Royal Botanic Gardens Board ©
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