Senecio vulgaris aka Groundsel

Taxonomy

Senecio vulgaris, also known as groundsel or old-man-in-the-spring, is a winter annual herbaceous plant native to Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is widely naturalized in disturbed habitats worldwide as a ruderal species. Common groundsel is a competitive weed that thrives in moist fertile soil and can grow in more challenging environments such as along roadsides and other disturbed sites. It is one of the major weeds in nurseries and can cause chronic liver poisoning in horses, cattle, and swine. Although it is generally not a problem in lawns, it is a competitive plant in landscaped areas and gardens. The success of common groundsel as a weed lies in its seeds, with a single plant being capable of producing 25,000 or more seeds per year under optimal conditions. These seeds are easily spread by wind, and there can be three or more generations per year. Common groundsel was also one of the first weeds to develop resistance to some common agricultural herbicides. It can be controlled by pre-emergence broadleaf herbicides labeled for use or by tilling the soil in the fall and early spring and covering the area with a thick layer of coarse mulch to prevent the plant from growing.

Common names

Groundsel, Common Groundsel, Old Man In The Spring

How to care for Groundsel

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Groundsel is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

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

Soil

To keep your Groundsel healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Groundsel requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Common Groundsel is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Groundsel to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

Groundsel prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

Fertilizer

The Groundsel is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Region of origin

Groundsel’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia