RESEARCH &
EDUCATION
CENTERS (REC)
Groundsel
Senecio vulgaris
Life cycle: winter or summer annual
Growth habit: erect, much branched, 6 - 18 in.; leaves irregularly toothed, deeply lobed to dissected, somewhat fleshy
Reproduction: flower heads with many yellow disk flowers followed by fluffy pappus which aids in wind dispersal of seeds; 3 to 4 generations can be produced in one season
Conditions that favor growth: moist, nutrient-rich soil
Cultural control: manual cultivation before plants flower and produce seed