Senecio pseudoarnica

Less.

Seaside ragwort

Asteraceae Edible: Leaves Potential hazards — see below 1,925 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Senecio pseudoarnica is a compact perennial growing to 0.5 m, hardy to UK zone 3. Yellow flowers bloom from July to August. The plant is hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated, adapting to light sandy and medium loamy soils with good drainage. It requires full sun, prefers moist conditions, and tolerates maritime exposure across mildly acid to basic soil pH.

Description

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It has short thick rhizomes. It grows 35-70 cm tall. There is a single stem. It is hollow and hairy. The leaves on the stem do not have leaf stalks. They are oblong and 12-20 cm long by 5-6 cm wide. They are more pale underneath. There are coarse teeth along the edge.

Edible Uses

The fleshy stems and young leaves are edible cooked. Only young plants should be used, and cooking is essential. Some caution is advised given the plant's noted toxicity.

Traditional Uses

The young leaves are boiled and eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

A poultice of the leaves has been used to drain cuts and boils.

Known Hazards

Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus that contains a number of plants with a cumulative poisonous effect on the liver. Some caution is advised.

Distribution

It is a cold temperate plant. It grows on seashores and near sea level.

Where It Grows

Alaska, Arctic, Asia, Canada, China, Japan, Korea, North America, Russia, USA,

Cultivation

Succeeds in a sunny position in most well-drained moderately fertile soils. Prefers a sandy soil. Judging by its native habitat, this plant should tolerate maritime exposure. Hardy to about -15°c.

Propagation

Seed - sow in spring in a greenhouse, barely covering the seed, and keep the compost moist. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and plant out in early summer if they have grown sufficiently. Otherwise overwinter in a greenhouse or cold frame and plant out the following year after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Root cuttings in early spring.

Other Uses

None known.

Notes

There are over 1000 Senecio species.

Synonyms

replaced synonym:Asteraceae Arnica maritima. Senecio pseudo-arnica

References (4)

Ager, T. A. & Ager, L. P., 1980, Ethnobotany of the eskimos of Nelson Island, Alaska. Arctic Anthropology Vol 17. No. 1 pp 26-48
Linnaea 6:240. 1831
Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 527
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/