Senecio gunnii

Mountain Fireweed

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

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.