Senecio linearifolius var. linearifolius
Fireweed Groundsel
Erect to shrubby aromatic perennial herb with mainly hairless stems. Many-stemmed from the base but branching mostly in upper half.
Additional information
- FamilyAsteraceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size1-2 m x 1-1.5 m
- Plant groupingShrubs to 2m
- LeavesNarrow stalkless stem leaves 10-20 cm x 1.5-4.5 mm, small ear-like lobes at base; usually hairless below, secondary veins hardly or not raised; margins entire, narrowly rolled under. Upper leaves smaller.
- Flower colourBright yellow
- Flowering timeNovember to March
- FlowersLarge terminal flat-topped clusters of daisy flowerheads with 4-8 ray florets.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingBoth food for caterpillars and nectar for butterflies.
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsCool moist soils in foothill forests and woodlands. Colonising plant especially after fire and other disturbance. Semi-shade, dappled to full shade.
- Garden useAn attractive understorey plant with bright flowers over summer. Foliage has a distinctive varnishy smell, giving that delightful bushy aroma on humid days.
- Commercially availableWholesale only - order in advance
- Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
- Related speciesSenecio linearifolius var. latifolius (montane form) is distinguished by broader, elliptic leaves to 14 cm x 50 mm, sometimes lobed at base, teeth crowded along minutely recurved margins. Both secondary and tertiary veins obvious on hairless lower surface. Flowerheads have 4-5 ray florets. Occurs in wet mountain forests above 1000 m. Senecio linearifolius var. denticulatus has toothed margins on the leaves.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 3 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Yarra Ranges Council photo library
Plant Communities