333B-4-Senecio-quadridentatus-fl-Colleen-Miller.jpg

Senecio quadridentatus

Cotton Fireweed

Erect perennial herb, much-branched from base, covered in dense white cottony hairs. Often annual from perennial rootstock.

Additional information

  • FamilyAsteraceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size0.4-1 m x 0.5-1 m
  • Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
  • LeavesNarrow stalkless leaves 8-22 cm x 2-8 mm, woolly below, with distantly toothed, rolled under margins.
  • Flower colourGreenish-yellow
  • Flowering timeOctober to March
  • FlowersLarge loose terminal leafy cluster with masses of small, narrow, rayless daisy flowerheads. 3 prominent veins on floral bracts.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsWidespread in all soils which are not waterlogged and/or very fertile. Withstands very dry conditions, may die back to rootstock. Full sun, semi-shade.
  • Garden useAttractive grey-white plant for bush gardens. Flowerheads can be pruned back to prevent seeding. Important food plant for moth larvae.
  • Commercially availableWholesale only - order in advance
  • Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
Photographer/s: 1, 6 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Swee Oon ©; 4 Colleen Miller ©; 3, 5 Peter Kinchington ©

Plant Communities

  • 30 Swamp Gum Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83)
  • 03 Narrow-leaf Peppermint Montane damp Forest (EVC 38)
  • 25 Long-leaf Box Grassy Dry Forest - Southern Dandenongs (EVC 22)
  • 37 Yarra Gum Grassy Woodland (EVC 175)
  • 26 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Middle Yarra (EVC 22)
  • 38 Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest – Middle Yarra (EVC 47)
  • 27 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 22)
  • 08 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest – Dandenongs (EVC 29)
  • 42 Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest - Christmas Hills (EVC 47)
  • 39 Sedge Wetland Complex (EVC 136)
  • 34 Manna Gum Floodplain Riparian Woodland (EVC 56)
  • 22 Silver-leaf Stringybark Heathy Woodland (EVC 48)
  • 40 Snow Gum Grassy Woodland (EVC 175/37)
  • 19 Long-leaf Box Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 28 Red Box Grassy Dry Forest - Christmas Hills (EVC 22)
  • 18 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 45)
  • 01 Alpine Ash Montane Damp Forest (EVC 38)
  • 43 Buxton Gum Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83)
  • Page 1 of 1