Groundsel Senecio

Senecio is in the daisy family and includes ragwort and groundsels. It contains over 1,000 species of flowering plants and contains both annuals and perennials from shrubs to trees to vines.  There are about 100 varieties that are considered succulents.  The widespread species range from noxious weeds to showy garden perennials. 

A sun-loving plant in cooler climates, shade should be provided in locations that experience hot and dry conditions.  Great for containers or as hanging plants that can be placed in the garden during the warmer months and brought indoors as the days become colder.  Place your indoor containers in bright indirect sunlight and outdoor plants in full sun.  They do best in a well-drained potting mix.  They are drought-tolerant, so watering should be done after allowing the roots to dry out completely.  Don't overwater.  Plants allowed to sit in water may experience mushy roots.

The long-lasting flowers bloom for up to a month.  However, it's the showy foliage that will catch your eye.  

Popular varieties that sold as houseplants are Blue Chalksticks and String of Pearls.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:  Some insects that may affect this plant are mealybugs and scale.  Cineraria leaf rust can be an issue on both the stems and foliage.

The sap from the plant can cause skin irritation.  Wear gloves to avoid direct contact.  Avoid locations where pets or children can access the plant, as ingestion can cause liver disease in animals.

Quick ID:

• Variety of forms among species
• Dense, silvery hairs on the leaves
• Yellow, daisy-like flowers (heads of disk and rays)

VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.