Senecio erucifolius - Hoary Groundsel

Family:	Compositae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.6
Width:	0.6
Synonyms:
Range:	Central and southern Europe, including Britain, north to Denmark and Lithuania, east to W. Asia..

Senecio erucifolius (Hoary Groundsel) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.6m and a width of 0.6m . It has a hardness rating of 6.
Hoary Groundsel will flower in January to February. the seeds ripen from February to March
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees, flies

Soil Information

Hoary Groundsel will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Hoary Groundsel prefers either dry or moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Hoary Groundsel should not be planted in shady areas.

Dry banks, field borders, grassy slopes and roadsides, in limestone and chalky districts and especially on heavy soils[4, 17].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Can be planted in Cultivated Beds
• Suits a meadow

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].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
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.

• Anthelmintic - Expels parasites from the gut.
• Antiscorbutic - A plant rich in vitamin C that is used to counteract scurvy.
• Diaphoretic - Induces perspiration.
• Diuretic - Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
• Emmenagogue - Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
• Poultice - A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
• Purgative - A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ. Division in spring.

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].

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of the British Isles.
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Author: Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Rating:
Publisher : A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.
Date of Publication : 1962

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