Senecio vulgaris 'Groundsel'

[Ex. Co. Durham, England]

Asteraceae: annual growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). The inflorescences usually lack ray florets, the yellow disc florets mostly hidden by the bracts giving the flowers an inconspicuous appearance. Blooming from January to December. Downy head of seeds spread by wind. Common flower found along roadsides and waste places, it is also a common weed of cultivated land, succeeding on most soils but avoiding shade. Native to Europe, including Britain, south and east from Scandinavia to North Africa and temperate Asia.

USES:

Groundsel has had a long history of herbal use and, although not an official plant, it is still often used by herbalists. The whole herb is anthelmintic, antiscorbutic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue and purgative. It is often used as a poultice and is said to be useful in treating sickness of the stomach, whilst a weak infusion is used as a simple and easy purgative. The plant can be harvested in May and dried for later use, or the fresh juice can be extracted and used as required. This plant should not be used by pregnant women. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It has also been used in the treatment of menstrual disorders and nose bleeds.

Warning: This plant should not be used by pregnant women.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Surface sow seeds in spring, seed shouldn’t need much encouragement to germinate. Groundsel is a good food plant for the caterpillars of many butterfly and moth species, and is one of only two species that provide food for cinnabar moth caterpillars.

HARVESTED: 2021*

 
APPROX. 100+ SEEDS