Alpine Fleabane

senecio doronicum

Also known as: ["Alpine Ragwort","Mountain Fleabane"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Senecio Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant native to alpine regions, known for its bright yellow daisy-like flowers and silvery-green foliage.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Senecio
Botanical Name: Senecio doronicum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: border plantings or rock gardens in temperate climates
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loam with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually in late fall or early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to partial shade in intense summer heat.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh midday sun; provide shade during extreme heat.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense afternoon sun; rotate plants for even light exposure.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid waterlogged soil.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F); tolerates cold but needs protection from extreme frost.

Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent temperatures.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize lightly; apply before active growth; stop fertilizing in winter.

Propagation

Methods

Division or stem cuttings; division is preferred for mature plants.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Divide clumps.
  2. Replant divisions at the same depth.
  3. Water well.
  4. Or take stem cuttings.
  5. Apply rooting hormone.
  6. Plant in medium.
  7. Keep moist.

Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom.

Environment

Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; protect from direct sun until established.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also be propagated directly in the garden.

Hormone

Optional, but can help with stem cuttings.

Timeline

Division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 3–6 weeks, full establishment in a few months.

Tools Needed

Sharp knife, trowel, rooting hormone (optional), pots or garden space.

Quick Tips

Divide every 3–4 years; take cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings consistently moist.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadhead spent flowers; cut back leggy stems; thin out crowded growth.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back foliage in late fall or early spring to maintain shape.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves, clean knife.

Checklist

Clean tools; deadhead flowers; cut back old growth; shape the plant; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Choose new pot; prepare fresh soil; gently remove plant; prune roots if needed; repot; water; place in appropriate light.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; avoid compacting soil.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Leaves may turn purple or brown; growth slows; frost can damage or kill tender parts.

Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect with frost cloth; avoid planting in frost pockets.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowers may fade quickly; growth may stall.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Choose balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water after fertilizing; avoid late-season feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer or fall.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Senecio doronicum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Senecio doronicum can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Senecio doronicum may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthesis, premature leaf drop, and overall decline in plant vigor.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Senecio doronicum due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to pyrrolizidine alkaloids found in Senecio doronicum, which can cause severe liver toxicity and failure. Even small amounts can be harmful.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting anorexia lethargy jaundice hepatic encephalopathy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. Immediate veterinary care is required if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Toxic

The pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Senecio doronicum are toxic to dogs, leading to liver damage and potential liver failure. Chronic ingestion poses a significant health risk.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy jaundice weight loss
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from dogs. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Senecio doronicum contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic and can cause liver damage upon ingestion. Chronic exposure may lead to severe liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain jaundice liver failure
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Wear gloves when handling to prevent accidental ingestion.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Senecio doronicum toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Q: How should I care for Senecio doronicum?

A: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, water moderately, and deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

False Sow-thistle
View
Tansy Ragwort
View
Brickel-bush, Yellow Sow-thistle
View
Garden Carline Thistle
View