Commongroundsel (Senecio vulgaris) is a species of herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae (Compositae) family. It is very common in almost all temperate regions of the world.
Subspecies
- Senecio vulgaris subsp. denticulatus (O.F. Müll.) P.D. Sell
- Senecio vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
Description
Common ragwort is a highly variable annual plant with an erect, twining stem 10 to 50 cm high.
The leaves are pennatifid with irregular, spreading, angular, toothed lobes. The lower leaves are short-stalked and the stem leaves are clasping and auriculate.
The flower heads are grouped in dense corymbs. Each flower head is characterised by the absence of ligules and a calicule of 8-10 black-tipped bracts. The flowers are yellow and all tubular. The plant can flower almost all year round, in all seasons. Up to three generations can occur in a single year.
The fruit is a pubescent achene with a white bristled apex.
Ecology
Common ragwort is found in cultivated land and ruderalized areas (rubble, roadsides, etc.). Gardeners consider it a " weed ". It thrives in soil rich in nitrogen and minerals. A pioneer species, common ragwort does not tolerate competition from other plants.
It is very common in Europe, temperate Asia and North Africa. The species is naturalised in North America and occasionally in the rest of the world.
Common ragwort is toxic to most mammals.
Characteristics
- Reproductive organs
- Dominant colour of flowers : yellow
- Flowering time : February-November
- Inflorescence : corymb of flower heads
- Sexuality : hermaphrodite
- Maturation order : protandrous
- Pollination : entomogamous, autogamous
- Seed
- Fruit : achene
- Dissemination : anemochorous
- Habitat and distribution
- Typical habitat : annual commensals of crops, in gardens or wasteland, in towns especially in flowerbeds, along roadsides, at the foot of trees.
- Distribution : cosmopolitan
Range of distribution
Senecio vulgaris is an invasive species in America, Oceania, Asia and North Africa.
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Africa -
Americas -
North America -
Mexico -
South America -
Asia -
Europe -
Russia
Properties
All parts of the plant contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids: seneciphylline, senecionine (Z-isomer), retorsine (E-isomer), spartioidine, usaramine and integerrimine. These pyrrolizidine diesters are hepatotoxic.
