818B-4-Senecio-prenanthoides-fol-Peter-Kinchington.jpg

Senecio prenanthoides

Beaked Fireweed

Erect perennial herb, usually unbranched from base, with a fleshy tapering root. Occasionally many-branched. Lower stems coarse-hairy.

Additional information

  • SynonymSenecio sp. aff. tenuiflorus
  • FamilyAsteraceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size20-80 cm high
  • Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
  • LeavesLeaves sparsely cobwebby and rough above, cobwebby, often purplish below; lower leaves lance-shaped, broader near tip, 5-10 cm x 5-12 mm; upper - narrower, longer to 12 cm, margins toothed.
  • Flower colourYellow
  • Flowering timeOctober to January
  • FlowersTerminal cluster of small narrow rayless daisy flowerheads; 25-35 florets per flowerhead. Seeds are beaked.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist well drained soils in forests and woodlands in the foothills. Full sun to dappled shade.
  • Garden useProvides a natural look to bushland gardens.
  • Commercially availableWholesale only - order in advance
  • Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
  • Related speciesBoth Senecio prenanthoides and Senecio phelleus were separated from Senecio tenuiflorus. While there are many similarities, the seeds are not beaked in S. phelleus.
Photographer/s: 1, 3 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Russell Best, NatureShare ©; 4 Peter Kinchington ©

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