Senecio phelleus
Slender Fireweed
Erect annual or biennial herb with fleshy roots, branching along stem. Stems sparsely to moderately cottony, becoming sparser up the stem.
Additional information
- SynonymSeparated from Senecio tenuiflorus which does not occur in Victoria.
- FamilyAsteraceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size0.3-1.5 m high
- Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
- LeavesLeaves coarsely hairy above 6-17 cm x 3.6-20 mm, purplish, cobwebby below; lower leaves arrow-shaped with basal lobes pointed down, stem-clasping, sparsely toothed; upper - smaller, narrower, some coarse hairs, cobwebby below.
- Flower colourYellowish
- Flowering timeOctober to March
- FlowersTerminal cluster of 20-100 small narrow rayless daisy flowerheads, bracts green. Seeds are not beaked.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist well drained to dryish clay soils, often in rocky areas in heathlands and drier forests of the foothills. Full sun to dappled shade.
- Garden useUnderstorey plant which is not very obvious in the bush. Purple under leaves adds interest and is easily recognisable.
- Commercially availableNever
- Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions. Restricted distribution.
- Related speciesPreviously confused with Senecio tenuiflorus and Senecio quadridentatus. Differs in having a smaller taproot, arrow-shaped leaves, lower stem area has cottony covering and more florets per flowerhead.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Chris Lindorff, NatureShare ©; 2, 3 Marilyn Bull ©
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