Senecio gunnii

Mountain Fireweed

Erect perennial herb with stems moderately covered with grey cottony hairs. Spreading from underground roots.

Additional information

• FamilyAsteraceae
• StoreyLower storey
• Size0.3-1 m high
• Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
• LeavesLeaves egg-shaped to elliptic, broader towards tip, 4-12 cm x 8-25 mm, upper leaves narrower; often purple and densely hairy below, may become hairless above; margins shallowly toothed to entire.
• Flower colourYellow
• Flowering timeDecember to March
• FlowersDense cluster of 10-100 small narrow rayless daisy flowers. White-cottony hairs on lower half of bracts.
• Bird attractingNo
• Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
• Frog habitatNo
• Growing conditionsMoist soils in montane forests. Snow tolerant. Full sun, semi-shade.
• Garden useA grey foliaged plant for high altitude gardens.
• Commercially availableNever
• Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites where it may be common. More common outside the Shire boundary.

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