Senecio bathurstianus

Rough Fireweed

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

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.