Common Groundsel is a
native
annual plant of the UK, typically found growing in coastal areas, cropland and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 40cm.
Groundsel is a common wild plant of cultivated and waste ground and quickly colonises bare earth, hence the name 'Groundsel', which comes from an Old English word meaning 'ground swallower'. Although the flowerheads are composite, bearing numerous florets, Grounsel lacks the usual outer ray florets. The inner disc florets are tubular and tightly packed. The heads are arranged on the plant in clusters, often drooping downwards.
Botanic classification and naming: Common Groundsel is a member of the Daisy (Asteraceae) family. The genus name
'Senecio' identifies the plant as a Ragwort and its species name 'vulgaris' means 'common species'.
Concerns: Groundsel is toxic to humans and livestock.
Benefits: Provides a food source for caterpillars of moths such as the Flame Shoulder and Dot Moth. It also attracts seed-eating birds.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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