Senecio nemorensis

Physical Characteristics

Senecio nemorensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe to W. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Stem Edible Uses: Young stems - pickled[177]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Hypoglycaemic Urinary Uninary tract infections, gout, rheumatism and stone formation in the urinary tract. Lowers blood sugar. The herb is contraindicated in pregnancy and nursing and children under 12. Recommended only for external use. Do not appy to broken skin [301].

Known Hazards

Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus that contains a number of plants with a cumulative poisonous effect on the liver[65]. Some caution is advised.