969B-3-Senecio-bathurstianus-fol-Neil-Blair.jpg

Senecio bathurstianus

Rough Fireweed

Erect annual or shortly-lived perennial herb with dense coarsely-hairy stems, becoming sparser towards the flowerhead..

Additional information

  • SynonymSenecio hispidulus var. dissectus
  • FamilyAsteraceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size0.3-1.5 m high
  • Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
  • LeavesStalkless broad-elliptic to elliptic mid green leaves 7-15 cm x 2.5-10 cm, deeply dissected to fern-like, 4-6 segments per side, coarsely-hairy on both sides, green or tinged purple below, basal lobes dissected.
  • Flower colourYellow
  • Flowering timeOctober to December
  • FlowersDense terminal bunches of small rayless daisy flowerheads. Bracts of flowerhead green, stalks sparsely hairy.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsDry, rocky well drained soil in foothill forests. Full sun, semi shade.
  • Garden useInteresting foliage. A pioneer plant for dry gardens.
  • Commercially availableNever
  • Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from Mt Dandenong.
  • Related speciesSenecio hispidulus is less hairy. Leaves are toothed but not dissected.
Photographer/s: 1, 2 Swee Oon ©; 3 Neil Blair, Royal Botanic Gardens Board ©

Plant Communities

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