Common groundsel - Senecio vulgaris (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Invasive, Images, Toxic)

Common groundsel

Also known as: Common ragwort

Common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) is an annual flowering herb that is related to daisies. Though the flowers resemble immature dandelions, they never "open" the way those other yellow flowers do. Canaries and finches are particularly fond of this plant's seeds and the larvae of several moth species eat the greens. Common groundsel is toxic to humans and some livestock.

Scientific classification

Species

Common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Annual, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Early fall

Bloom Time

All year round

Harvest Time

45 cm

Plant Height

20 cm

Spread

Green, Black

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Common groundsel

Distribution of Common groundsel

Distribution Map

Common groundsel, native to parts of Eurasia and North Africa, has expanded its range to encompass various major regions across the globe, including both temperate and subtropical zones. In regions such as North America and parts of Europe, common groundsel is sometimes thought to be an invasive species, where it may have an impact on local ecosystems. Its ability to thrive in disturbed soils allows it to spread readily, making it a common presence in these introduced environments.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Along roadsides, waste places, cultivated land

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Health, Healing

Interesting Facts

Sometimes called old-man-in-the-spring, this prolific seeder dons a full head of white, hair-like seed stems that disperse easy in the wind. Children can be seen picking these seed heads, making a wish and blowing the seeds far and wide. Once the seeds are blown away, the head is left bare and looks bald.

Name Story

Common groundsel: The name Groundsel comes from an old origin and is derived from the Anglo-Saxon groundeswelge, literally meaning "ground swallower" referring to the rapid way the weed spreads. Vulgaris means "common" or "usual", so the plant is commonly called common groundsel.

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Toxicity

Common groundsel can cause severe poisoning in cats, dogs, and humans if any part is consumed. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and liver failure. Pregnant women and children are at higher risk. Chronic exposure can lead to irreversible liver damage. Immediate veterinary care is essential if pets ingest common groundsel.

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Weed Control

Common groundsel is native to Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia. It grows as a weed worldwide but is especially established in temperate North America and Europe. It can smother agricultural crops and compete with native species. All parts of the plant are toxic to humans, although birds and some mammals are not affected. Tillage in the early spring and fall, releasing cinnabar moth larvae, mulching, soil solarization, and hand pulling have all been used to control common groundsel. A variety of herbicides have also been found to be effective

How to Control It

The best season for the removal of common groundsel is late winter to early spring. It is crucial to remove the plant before it reaches the flowering phase to prevent it from reseeding and spreading.

Hand Pulling: Wear thick garden gloves, grasp the plant at its base, and pull it gently upwards. Try to get as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth. Dispose of the plants far from the garden to avoid reseeding.
Hoeing: Use a garden hoe to cut the plant off at ground level. Aim to perform this before the plant reaches the flowering stage to minimize the chances of seed dispersal.
Mulching: Mulch the area with a thick layer of organic material like straw, leaves or wood chips. This suppresses the growth of weed while also improving the soil quality over time.
Smothering: Cover the infested area with several layers of newspapers or cardboard, and then cover this layer with topsoil or compost. Leave it for a few weeks. This method will suffocate the plants, killing them without the use of harmful chemicals.
Boiling Water: This is an excellent way to kill a large patch of common groundsel. Simply bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and carefully pour it over the infested area. Be careful as this method can also kill surrounding desirable plants.

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Quickly Identify Common groundsel

Rosette of lobed leaves with succulent texture.

Distinctive yellow disk-shaped flowers resembling dandelions.

Achenes with tufts of silky white hairs resembling miniature parachutes.

Hollow, fleshy stem with purple coloration for easy recognition.

Deeply lobed leaves with irregular teeth, some purplish undersides.

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Care Guide for Common groundsel

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Common groundsel thrives in moderate moisture, preferring consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. It requires weekly watering and shows moderate drought tolerance. As an herbaceous weed, it competes effectively for water resources during its rapid growth, adapting well to various climate zones.

Propagation: Common groundsel is mainly propagated by sowing seeds in spring. This method is straightforward, with successful propagation confirmed by seedling emergence. No specific tips are necessary for effective propagation.

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Images of Common groundsel

Distribution of Common groundsel

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Common groundsel

Care Guide for Common groundsel

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