Asteraceae

Senecio vulgaris

Common Groundsel

Winter-growing upright annual, hairless throughout, single stem arched near the top. Leaves oval, 1–4 in., pinnately lobed, teeth unevenly placed along edges. Leaves alternate on stem and stalks. Flower heads numerous, cups with black-tipped bracts. Disk flowers yellow, about 40 with white pappus, no ray flowers. Abundant Old World weed found in gardens, fields, all disturbed places throughout temperate zones of the world. More common west of Cascades in our region. Note the black bracts that distinguish this from any other groundsel.

• Rarity: Common
• Flowering Time: All Year Long
• Life Cycle: Annual, Biennial
• Height: 4--20 inches
• Habitat: Meadow, Coastal, Disturbed
• Found In: Olympic Np, Mt. Rainier Np, Columbia Basin, N Cascades Np
• Native: No