Common Groundsel

senecio vulgaris

Also known as: ["Old-man-of-the-winter","Poor-man's-daisy"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Senecio Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A small, annual herbaceous plant with yellow flowers and deeply lobed leaves, often found in disturbed soils and waste areas.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: garden beds, disturbed areas, or containers
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: very high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, depending on growth habit.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate partial shade but may become leggy.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light to avoid scorching. Indoors, place near a bright window but out of direct sun. Outdoors, provide dappled shade in hot climates.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; avoid direct midday sun; adjust light based on season.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogging; ensure good drainage.

Soil

well-drained, moderately fertile soil

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

Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for nutrients.

Temperature

Prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cooler conditions but avoids frost.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; adjust watering for heat/cold.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seeds. Stem cuttings are faster and more reliable.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and sand.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node to encourage branching.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or leggy growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.

Checklist

Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size up from current pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot. Senecio vulgaris is fast-growing and may need repotting sooner.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

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 without wetting the foliage. Water until it drains from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry before watering again.

Pro Tip: Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall, reducing fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water lightly and infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

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

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or death if below freezing.

Solution: Protect from frost with a cover or move indoors. Ensure soil doesn't stay waterlogged in cold.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or premature flowering.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water more frequently without overwatering.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Senecio vulgaris can indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or pathogenic infections, often leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and plant vigor.

Wilting in Senecio vulgaris is typically caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, which can result in cellular damage and reduced nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Senecio vulgaris are commonly caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in necrotic lesions that can impair photosynthesis and weaken the plant.

Rotting, particularly root rot, in Senecio vulgaris is often associated with excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to the decay of root tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause severe liver toxicity and failure. Even small ingestions may be harmful.

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

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. Contact a veterinarian promptly if exposure occurs.
Dogs
Toxic

The pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Senecio vulgaris are toxic to dogs, causing liver damage and potential failure. Prolonged exposure increases risk.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting lethargy loss of appetite jaundice abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep dogs away from the plant. Seek veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Toxic

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

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

if eaten

Avoid ingestion. Wear gloves when handling to prevent skin contact with sap.
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 vulgaris toxic to pets?

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

Q: Does Common Groundsel require much care?

A: No, it is very low maintenance and grows easily in disturbed soils.

Q: Does Senecio vulgaris attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees and butterflies.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: very easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","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

Mountain Arnica
View
Curlycup Gumweed
View
Large-flowered Tickseed
View
Crown Thistle
View