Senecio campylocarpus

Fireweed

Erect perennial herb, stems sparsely covered in white cottony hairs, becoming hairless. Taproot is poorly developed.

SynonymSenecio glandulosus
FamilyAsteraceae
StoreyLower storey
Sizeto 1.5 m high
Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
LeavesVery narrow to narrow-elliptic stalkless leaves 10-24 cm long, distinctly tapered at each end; sparsely cobwebby to hairless, with distant, minute teeth.
Flower colourGreenish
Flowering timeSeptember to March
FlowersLarge loose terminal cluster of 30-100 small, narrow, rayless daisy flowerheads.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist to wet clay soils in winter wet areas of forests and woodlands. Semi shade.
Garden usePlant under trees in moist areas of bush gardens.
Commercially availableNever
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from few local sites.
Related speciesSimilar to Senecio quadridentatus which has a well developed tap root and dense cottony covering of stems and leaves.