Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Senecio sylvaticus L., Sp. Pl. 868 (1753)
Synonymy:
  • = Senecio areolatus Colenso, Trans. & Proc. New Zealand Inst. 26: 317 (1893 [1894])
Vernacular Name(s):
Wood groundsel
 Description

Erect, annual herb, (10)–20–60–(120) cm tall. Stems sparsely to moderately hairy, branched or not from base. Basal and lower cauline lvs sparsely to moderately hairy especially on lower surface, petiolate; petiole < lamina, slightly amplexicaul or not at base; lamina lyrate-pinnatifid to 1–(2)-pinnatifid, elliptic, narrow-obovate to oblong, obtuse and mucronate at apex, 3–15 × 1–5 cm; venation pinnate; segments usually ± oblong, irregularly dentate. Upper cauline lvs becoming smaller, narrower, apetiolate, and often finally 1-pinnatisect or simply dentate. Capitula in loose panicles. Supplementary bracts 3–6, linear to lanceolate, 1–3 mm long. Involucral bracts 12–14–(16), linear, 5.5–8 mm long, with scattered fine hairs. Ray florets usually 7–11–(13), very rarely 0; ligules yellow, 0.5–2 mm long, soon revolute. Disc bright yellow, 2–3 mm diam. Achenes terete or slightly flattened, with 3–6 rows of hairs between ribs, 2–2.5 mm long; pappus 5–7 mm long.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: Oct.–Feb.–(Apr.)

 Bibliography
Colenso, W. 1894: Phænogams: A description of some newly-discovered Indigenous plants; being a further contribution towards the making known the botany of New Zealand. Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute 26: 313–320.
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.