Senecio sylvaticus aka Heath Groundsel

Taxonomy

Senecio sylvaticus, also known as the woodland ragwort, heath groundsel, or mountain common groundsel, is a species of flowering plant in the aster family. It can be found in Eurasia and is also introduced and considered an occasional roadside weed in western and eastern sections of North America. It grows best in cool, wet areas and is an annual herb producing a single erect stem up to 80 centimeters tall from a taproot, which is coated in short, curly hairs. The toothed, deeply lobed leaves, which are up to 12 centimeters long and borne on petioles, are evenly distributed along the stem. The inflorescence is a wide, spreading array of many flower heads, each lined with green- or black-tipped phyllaries, and the heads contain yellow disc florets and most have very tiny yellow ray florets as well. It is important to note that Senecio sylvaticus may be poisonous, and therefore, should be handled with care. Hand-digging weeds works best with smaller shrubs, non-woody stemmed vines, or bunching perennial grasses. When digging plants, remove as much of the root system as possible to prevent resprouting. For those interested in cultivating this rare houseplant, the Woodland Ragwort thrives with very little water and abundant sunlight. It prefers soil that is extremely well-draining and should be less than 3 feet from a window. Repotting each time it doubles in size should provide enough nutrients without the need for added fertilizers.

Common names

Heath Groundsel, Wood Groundsel, Woodland Ragwort

How to care for Heath Groundsel

Difficulty

Heath Groundsel is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Heath Groundsel does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When it comes to the Heath Groundsel, a potting soil that is too moist can cause problems. For this reason, it's important to use a soil mix that is well-draining and does not retain too much moisture. A soil that includes perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can achieve this by simply adding a few scoops of perlite to your store-bought cactus soil.

Lighting

Heath Groundsel requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Heath Groundsel will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Heath Groundsel to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Humidity

Heath Groundsel enjoys dry environments, but misting the plant or providing extra humidity can create an environment for harmful fungi to thrive on the leaves.

Fertilizer

The growth of Heath Groundsel is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Heath Groundsel’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia