Heath groundsel (Senecio sylvaticus, Sp. Pl.: 868 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 868 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Senecio

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Macaronesia, Europe to Caucasus

Description

Heath groundsel, scientifically known as Senecio sylvaticus, is a notable member of the Asteraceae family. This species was first described in detail in the year 1753. Distributed widely across various regions, Heath groundsel thrives in locales stretching from Macaronesia through Europe to the Caucasus, showcasing its adaptability to different environmental conditions.

This plant is easily recognized by its characteristic features and growth patterns. Typically found in heathlands, wastelands, and other well-drained soils, Senecio sylvaticus has slender, erect stems and finely divided leaves. The stems are often covered with fine hairs, giving the plant a somewhat woolly appearance.

Heath groundsel produces small, yellow flower heads characteristic of the Asteraceae family, which are clustered together in loose, unbranched inflorescences. These flower heads are made up of both ray and disc florets, providing a classic daisy-like appearance typical of the genus Senecio. The blooming period occurs throughout the summer, attracting various pollinators, which play a crucial role in its reproductive cycle.

As an annual herb, Heath groundsel has a lifecycle that completes within one growing season. This feature allows it to spread effectively, particularly in disturbed soils where it often colonizes rapidly. Its seeds are small and lightweight, equipped with a pappus, facilitating wind dispersal over considerable distances.

In addition to its ecological characteristics, Heath groundsel has been a subject of botanical interest since its formal identification in the mid-18th century. Its ability to occupy a range of habitats without being overly competitive makes it a unique study in plant ecology and adaptability. The species’ proliferation across vast and diverse geographical areas indicates its resilience and flexibility in face of varying climate conditions.

Understanding the behavior and distribution of Heath groundsel contributes valuable knowledge to the fields of botany and ecology. Researchers and plant enthusiasts continue to observe and study this plant to gain insights into its interactions with the environment and its role within the ecosystem.

Overall, the Heath groundsel stands as an intriguing example of plant adaptation and survival, with its broad range and distinctive characteristics capturing the interest of botanists and nature lovers alike.

Common Names

Dan: skov-brandbæger
Deu: wald-greiskraut, waldgreiskraut, waldkreuzkraut
Eng: woodland ragwort, heath groundsel, wood groundsel, wood groundsel, heather groundsel, woodland groundsel
Swe: bergkorsört, kalliovillakko
Nno: bergsvineblom
Nob: bergsvineblom
Nld: boskruiskruid
Fin: kalliovillakko
Fra: seneçon des bois, séneçon des bois, séneçon des forêts
Nor: skogkarsa, skov-korsgrass
Cym: camedd felen fenyw, creulys y coed, creulys y rhos, creulys y rhosydd, greulys, greulys fynyddol, greulys y coed, greulys y mynydd, greulys y rhosydd, penfelen fynyddol, penfelen y coed, penfelen y rhosydd
En: Heath groundsel, Wood groundsel, Woodland ragwort, Heather groundsel, Wood groundsel, heather groundsel, Woodland groundsel, Heath Groudsel, Mountain Groundsel
Be: Старасцень лясны
Ca: Seneci silvàtic
Cs: Starček lesní
Da: Skov-Brandbæger
Nl: Boskruiskruid
Et: Mets-ristirohi
Fi: Kalliovillakko
Fr: Séneçon des bois, Seneçon des bois, Séneçon des forêts
De: Waldkreuzkraut, Wald-Greiskraut, Waldgreiskraut, Wald-Kreuzkraut
Hu: Erdei aggófű
It: Senecione delle selve
Lv: Meža krustaine
No: Skogkarsa, Skov-korsgrass
Nb: Bergsvineblom
Nn: Bergsvineblom
Pl: Starzec leśny
Sv: Bergkorsört, Kalliovillakko
Cy: Creulys y rhos, Camedd Felen Fenyw, Creulys y Coed, Creulys y Rhosydd, Greulys, Greulys Fynyddol, Greulys y Coed, Greulys y Mynydd, Greulys y Rhosydd, Penfelen Fynyddol, Penfelen y Coed, Penfelen y Rhosydd

Synonyms

• Senecio sylvaticus var. denticulatus (Wahlenb.)
• Jacobaea denticulata (Gilib.)
• Moerkensteinia sylvatica (Opiz)
• Senecio areolatus (Colenso)
• Senecio sylvaticus var. minor (Gaudin)
• Jacobaea sylvatica (Moench)
• Obaejaca sylvatica (Cass.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Chatham Is. (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• New Brunswick (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• Newfoundland (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Prince Edward I. (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 25, 2020 by Monge Christian Manuel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2020 by Clément Thiébaut (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 30, 2022 by Grünblättrige Schwefelkopf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2021 by B Danielle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Nicolas Crosse (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2022 by Guenael Borg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 4, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Claire RIGOULAT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Nicolas Crosse (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 20, 1903 by Tela Botanica − Anne-Marie GRIMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Waldemar Zeja (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 2, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2022 by Carla Zicari (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Waldemar Zeja (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 27, 2020 by Jet Lancee (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Waldemar Zeja (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2022 by Carla Zicari (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (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)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3107987)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:247845-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Senecio sylvaticus L.)

Specifications

Growth