Groundsel
There are several types of groundsel (Senecionae) found in our region:
- arrow-leaved groundsel (Senecio triangularis)
- western groundsel (Senecio integerrimus)
- black-tipped groundsel (Senecio lugens)
- woolly groundsel (Senecio canus)
- and related buttterweeds (Senecio sp.)
They are all perennials in the sunflower family, growing from a fibrous root systems and some with taproots. The flowers are similar, but the leaves, growth habits, and locations (ecology) varies.
- Western groundsel leaves are somewhat succulent, lanceolate, toothed, and are smaller higher on the stem.
- The leaves of woolly groundsel are whitish-green, woolly, and not toothed.
- Groundsels have clusters of composite yellow flowers with hairy bases.
- Bracts on some species may taper to black tips.
- All photos by the author. Click on an image for a lightbox and a caption. Several types of groundsel are shown, but most were taken without accompanying photos of leaves and the base.
- After flowering ribbed achenes form with a white pappus of white hairs.
- Species of groundsel are found in a wide range of ecological zones. Western groundsel is more often found in the valleys, but may be spotted in mesic forest openings in douglas fir forests and in open forests higher in elevation. Woolly groundsel can be found in the sagebrush grasslands and in open forests. In wetter areas, we may find arrow-leaved groundsel and butterweed.
- Common groundsel is an annual and a common weed in our gardens.
Without identifying photos of leaves and the basal growth of each flowering plant, it is hard to fully identify each image, so for this post, I have included more general information on the group of groundsels. In the future, I will be taking additional photos to further the identification process of individual plants.