Alpine ragwort (Senecio nemorensis, Sp. Pl.: 870 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 870 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Senecio

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. Europe to Japan and Vietnam

Description

The Alpine ragwort, scientifically known as Senecio nemorensis, is a captivating plant species that beckons the botanical enthusiasts with its historical and geographical significance, dating back to its first description in 1753 by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work, “Species Plantarum.”

A member of the Asteraceae family, the Alpine ragwort graces a wide range of habitats stretching from Central Europe to far-reaching regions in Japan and Vietnam. This extensive distribution underscores its adaptability to diverse climatic conditions and terrains.

The plant typically showcases vibrant yellow flowers, which is a characteristic feature of its family. These blossoms not only add vivid splashes of color to alpine meadows and forested regions but also play a crucial role in the local ecosystems by supporting an array of pollinators, from bees to butterflies.

In its native habitats, the Alpine ragwort has been observed thriving in moist, well-drained soils where it can attain its full growth potential. The plant’s robust nature endows it with a resilience that allows it to withstand the varied climatic conditions found within its vast geographical range.

Beyond its ecological presence, Senecio nemorensis holds a place in various cultural and herbal traditions. In some regions, it has been utilized in traditional medicine, indicating its significance in local folklore and cultural practices.

In summary, the Alpine ragwort is not only cherished for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ecological importance and cultural value. Its remarkable ability to propagate across continents from Europe to Asia stands as a testament to its enduring legacy in the plant kingdom.

Common Names

Deu: hain-greiskraut
Eng: alpine ragwort, wood ragwort
Sme: guoládagaspiinnut
En: Alpine ragwort, Wood ragwort, Shady groundsel
Bg: Дъбовогорски спореж
Zh: 林荫千里光
Nl: Schaduwkruiskruid
Et: Salu-ristirohi
Fi: Puistovillakko
De: Hain-Greiskraut
Hu: Berki aggófű
It: Senecione silvano
Ja: Kion
Se: Guoládagaspiinnut
Pl: Starzec gajowy
Zh-tw: 林蔭千里光
Zh-hant: 林蔭千里光

Synonyms

• Jacobaea nemorensis ((L.) Moench)

Distribution

• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Chita (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Poland (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Feb 15, 2022 by Beate Liebold (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2020 by romano fulvio (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 25, 2022 by Kamila Ka (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by Sigrid (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2020 by Say Tcha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by Sigrid (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Gerhard Stieger (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:246519-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3107839)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Senecio nemorensis L.)

Specifications

Growth