Senecio erucifolius
| Senecio erucifolius | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 6 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 2' |
| Width: | 2' |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Late Summer |
| Meadows | |
| Native to: | |
| Shelter | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Senecio erucifolius (common name: hoary groundsel)
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in situ.
Division in spring.
Cultivation: We have very little information on the cultivation needs of this plant but, judging by its native habitats, it is likely to require a sunny position and to succeed in most moderate to heavy soils, including those of an alkaline nature[K].
Range: Central and southern Europe, including Britain, north to Denmark and Lithuania, east to W. Asia..
Habitat: Dry banks, field borders, grassy slopes and roadsides, in limestone and chalky districts and especially on heavy soils[1][2].
Medicinal: The plant is used in plasters, ointments and poultices[1].
This species is related to groundsel, S. vulgaris, and is said to have similar properties[1]. These are:-
The whole herb is anthelmintic, antiscorbutic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue and purgative[1][3][4][5]. It is often used as a poultice and is said to be useful in treating sickness of the stomach, whilst a weak infusion is used as a simple and easy purgative[1]. The plant can be harvested in May and dried for later use, or the fresh juice can be extracted and used as required[1]. Use with caution[4], see notes above on toxicity.
Pollinators: Bees, flies
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Wind: Tolerates maritime wind exposure
Seed Ripens: Late Summer-Early Fall
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Heavy Clay: Grows in heavy-clay soils.
Known Hazards: All parts of the plant are poisonous to many mammals, including humans. The toxin affects the liver and has a cumulative affect[3][6]. Some mammals, such as rabbits, do not seem to be harmed by the plant, and will often seek it out[1]. Various birds also
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
- ↑ Clapham, Arthur and Tom Tootin, Edmund Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press, 1962.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Launert, Edmund. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn, 1981.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Lust, John. The Herb Book. Bantam Books, 1983.
- ↑ Hatfield, Audrey. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd, 1974.
- ↑ Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.