Tephroseris integrifolia

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Tephroseris integrifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to July. 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 prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Moist ground in Szechwan, W. China

Europe to E. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves - cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Parasiticide for skin diseases.

Parasiticide: Treats external parasites such as ringworm This should perhaps be joined with Parasiticide in

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Other

Rating: 2

A parasiticide is obtained from the plant, it is effective on the skin and on clothes.

Parasiticide: Kills external body parasites such as hair lice.

How it is grown

Requires a gritty, moisture-retentive but well-drained circumneutral soil and a sunny position. Plants can be short-lived in cultivation.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed and make sure that the compost does not dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, over-wintering the young plants in the greenhouse for the first year and then planting them out in late spring. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Senecio campestris. (Retz.)DC. S. integrifolius. (L.)Clairv.