Senecio nemorensis

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Senecio nemorensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

Damp places, 800 - 1800 metres in Turkey.

Europe to W. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young stems - pickled. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Uninary tract infections, gout, rheumatism and stone formation in the urinary tract. Lowers blood sugar. The herb is contraindicated in pregnancy and nursing and children under 12. Recommended only for external use. Do not appy to broken skin .

Hypoglycaemic: Reduces the levels of sugar in the blood.

Urinary: Treats urinary problems, including urinary tract infection (UTI).

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in a sunny position in most well-drained moderately fertile soils. The sub-species S. nemorensis fuchsii. (Gmel.)Celak. is the form used for food in Asia.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Make sure the compost does not dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer if they have grown sufficiently. Otherwise, grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out the following year after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Root cuttings in early spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

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.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

basionym of: Jacobaea nemorensis