Senecio erucifolius
Hoary Groundsel
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Compositae
- Genus
- Senecio
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Spread
- 0.6 m
- Fertility
- self fertile
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Bees, Flies
Uses
Toxicity
Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.
All parts of the plant are poisonous to many mammals, including humans. The toxin affects the liver and has a cumulative affect[6][5]. Some mammals, such as rabbits, do not seem to be harmed by the plant, and will often seek it out[3]. Various birds also eat the leaves and seeds[3].
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
The plant is used in plasters, ointments and poultices[3]. This species is related to groundsel, S. vulgaris, and is said to have similar properties[3]. These are:- The whole herb is anthelmintic, antiscorbutic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue and purgative[3][6][2][4]. 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[3]. The plant can be harvested in May and dried for later use, or the fresh juice can be extracted and used as required[3]. Use with caution[2], see notes above on toxicity.
- Product or use
- Anthelmintic
- Product or use
- Antiscorbutic
- Product or use
- Diaphoretic
- Product or use
- Diuretic
- Product or use
- Emmenagogue
- Product or use
- Poultice
- Product or use
- Purgative
Environment
- Range
- Central and southern Europe, including Britain, north to Denmark and Lithuania, east to W. Asia..
- Habitat
- Dry banks, field borders, grassy slopes and roadsides, in limestone and chalky districts and especially on heavy soils[3][1].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 6+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- high wind, maritime exposure
- Wind
- Yes
- Maritime
- Yes
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in situ. Division in spring.
Cultivation
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
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00
Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-553-23827-2
Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9
Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd 1977-00-00 ISBN 0-584-10141-4
Frohne. D. and Pf�nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984-00-00 ISBN 0723408394
Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-600-37216-2