Arrowleaf butterweed (Senecio triangularis, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1(suppl.): 332 (1834))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Hook.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1(suppl.): 332 (1834)

Year: 1834

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Senecio

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic America to W. & WC. U.S.A.

Description

Arrowleaf butterweed, scientifically known as Senecio triangularis, is a captivating member of the Asteraceae family. First documented by the renowned botanist Hook. in Fl. Bor.-Amer, this species was officially described in 1834.

This hardy plant thrives in the cooler climates of Subarctic America, extending its reach to the western and west-central regions of the United States. It is notably resilient, flourishing in a variety of environments from moist meadows to subalpine forests.

Characterized by its triangular leaves, from which it derives its common name, Arrowleaf butterweed is distinguishable not only by its unique foliage but also for its vibrant yellow flowers. These blossoms, a hallmark of the Asteraceae family, typically emerge in mid to late summer, adding a splash of color to their natural habitats.

Arrowleaf butterweed is known for its medicinal properties and ecological significance. Indigenous peoples and early settlers often utilized this plant for its purported healing abilities. Ecologically, this species plays a significant role in local ecosystems, providing food and habitat for various pollinators and other wildlife.

Despite its beauty and utility, like many wild plants, Senecio triangularis must be appreciated and preserved in its natural setting. Conservation efforts are vital to ensure that this and other native species continue to thrive amidst changing environmental conditions.

In botanical gardens and nature reserves, Arrowleaf butterweed serves as a reminder of the rich biodiversity that exists within the Asteraceae family, embodying both the scientific and aesthetic values intrinsic to natural flora.

Common Names

Eng: arrowleaf butterweed, arrowleaf groundsel, arrowleaf ragwort, arrow-leaved ragwort, arrow-leaved groundsel, brook ragwort
Fra: séneçon triangulaire
En: Arrowleaf butterweed, Arrowleaf groundsel, Arrowleaf ragwort, Arrow-Leaf Ragwort, Arrow-leaved ragwort, Arrow-leaved groundsel, Brook ragwort
Fr: Séneçon triangulaire

Synonyms

• Senecio gibbonsii (Greene)
• Senecio trigonophyllus (Greene)
• Senecio triangularis var. hansenii (Greene)
• Senecio saliens (Rydb.)
• Senecio triangularis var. angustifolius (G.N.Jones)
• Senecio triangularis var. trigonophyllus ((Greene) M.Peck)
• Senecio triangularis var. trichophyllus (H.St.John & Hardin)
• Senecio longidentatus (DC.)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)
• Assam (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 8, 2022 by Taras (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2021 by alena d. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2006 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Agusti i Parareda Concepcio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2019 by fred gros (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 21, 2021 by Irene Doucet (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2019 by Laura Kiser (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2006 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Agusti i Parareda Concepcio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2022 by alexa melton (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 12, 2015 by EOL − paloma (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 2, 2014 by EOL − Jeff Lesh (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 8, 2014 by EOL − faerthen (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 19, 2006 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2006 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 12, 2020 by Z. Magda (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 11, 2022 by justin klamut (cc-by-sa)

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3108906)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:248014-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Senecio triangularis Hook.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Rhizomatous

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.8

Ph minimum: 6.2