Wood ragwort (Senecio ovatus, Sp. Pl. ed. 4. 3: 2004 (1803))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (G.Gaertn., B.Mey. & Scherb.) Willd.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 4. 3: 2004 (1803)

Year: 1803

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Senecio

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe

Description

Wood ragwort, scientifically recognized as Senecio ovatus, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and a member of the diverse Asteraceae family. This species was formally described and included in the comprehensive work Species Plantarum, fourth edition, volume three, page 2004, published in 1803. The taxonomic identification credits go to (G.Gaertn., B.Mey. & Scherb.) Willd., who have contributed significantly to the botanical literature.

The wood ragwort generally thrives in woodland areas, where it is commonly observed. This plant is distinguished by its robust growth and can often be found in shaded, moist environments which contribute to its optimum development. As a part of the vast daisy family, wood ragwort exhibits characteristic features such as elongated leaves and vibrant composite flowers that provide ecological benefits, including habitats and food sources for various pollinators.

Understanding the biology and ecology of Senecio ovatus is essential for conservationists and botanists working to maintain healthy forest ecosystems. The plant’s ability to adapt and thrive in various woodland conditions underscores its importance in the natural flora across Europe. Moreover, recognizing the wood ragwort’s role in traditional and contemporary herbal applications showcases its broader significance beyond ecological boundaries.

In summary, Senecio ovatus embodies the intricate balance of biological robustness and ecological harmony within European woodlands, encapsulating centuries of botanical history and serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of plant diversity within the Asteraceae family.

Common Names

Deu: fuchs’ greiskraut
Dan: pilebladet brandbæger
Swe: glesstånds, harsuvillakko
Nob: glisnesvineblom
Nno: grisnesvineblom
Fin: harsuvillakko
Nld: schaduwkruiskruid
Eng: wood ragwort
Cym: creulys y coed
En: Wood ragwort
Cs: Starček Fuchsův
Da: Pilebladet brandbæger
Nl: Schaduwkruiskruid
Fi: Harsuvillakko
Fr: Senecon de Fuchs, Séneçon de Fuchs
De: Fuchs-Greiskraut, Fuchs’sches Greiskraut, Fuchssches Greiskraut, Kahles Hain-Greiskraut, Fuchs’ Greiskraut, Fuchs’ Greiskraut
Hu: Lilásszárú aggófű
It: Senecione di Fuchs
Nb: Glisnesvineblom
Nn: Grisnesvineblom
Pl: Starzec Fuchsa, Starzec jajowaty
Sk: Starček Fuchsov
Es: Séneçon de Fuchs
Sv: Glesstånds, Harsuvillakko
Cy: Creulys y coed

Synonyms

• Senecio nemophilus (Dumort.)
• Senecio sarracenicus var. latifolius (Lej.)
• Jacobaea ovata (G.Gaertn., B.Mey. & Scherb.)
• Senecio nemophilus var. ovatus ((G.Gaertn., B.Mey. & Scherb.) Dumort.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 14, 2021 by Markus Ertmer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Ron Hirth (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2022 by Fabrice Paoloni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2021 by Michelle Huet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2021 by Beate Liebold (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 16, 2022 by fabio Božac (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2022 by Przemysław Kwaśny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2021 by Uwe Knothe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2021 by Michelle Huet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by alderash (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2009 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2022 by tomhuck88 (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 3, 2021 by MaterLacrimae (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2021 by Antoine Venobre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Federico Comandi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2021 by Uwe Knothe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by alderash (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.

Fruit

Taken Sep 18, 2019 by Kryukov Oleg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2022 by Cwienk Jea (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2022 by tomhuck88 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2022 by tomhuck88 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2022 by tomhuck88 (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3107361)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:246691-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Senecio ovatus Willd.)

Specifications

Growth