Groundsel

Senecio vulgaris

Physical Characteristics

Senecio vulgaris is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower all year, and the seeds ripen all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, south and east from Scandanavia to N. Africa and temperate Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - cooked or raw[7, 105]. The young leaves have been used in many areas as a salad, though this is very inadvisable, see the notes on toxicity at the top of the page[7].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Anticonvulsant Antiscorbutic Diaphoretic Diuretic Emmenagogue Homeopathy Poultice Purgative Groundsel has a long history of herbal use and, although not an officinal plant, it is still often used by herbalists[4]. The whole herb is anthelmintic, antiscorbutic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue and purgative[4, 9, 21, 54]. 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[4]. The plant can be harvested in May and dried for later use, or the fresh juice can be extracted and used as required[4]. Use with caution[21]. This plant should not be used by pregnant women[7], see also the notes above on toxicity. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[9]. It is used in the treatment of menstrual disorders and nose bleeds[9].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are poisonous to many mammals, including humans. The toxin affects the liver and has a cumulative affect[9, 65]. Some mammals, such as rabbits, do not seem to be harmed by the plant, and will often seek it out[4]. Various birds also eat the leaves and seeds[4].