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Description
Senecio Littoralis, also known as the seaside ragwort or beach groundsel, is a perennial plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the coastal areas of California and Oregon, USA, and can be found growing on sand dunes, bluffs, and rocky cliffs.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Senecio |
Appearance
Senecio Littoralis has a unique appearance with its woody stems that can grow up to 2 meters tall. Its leaves are long and narrow, measuring up to 15 cm in length, and are a bright green color. The flowers of this plant grow in clusters at the end of the stems and are yellow in color. They bloom from spring to summer and attract a variety of insects such as bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Senecio Littoralis is a hardy plant that can thrive in coastal environments. It is low maintenance and requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Senecio Littoralis does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring should be sufficient.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is sandy or loamy. It can tolerate poor soil conditions and drought.
- Sunlight: Senecio Littoralis prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Senecio Littoralis is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it may be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. To prevent these issues, keep the plant clean and well-ventilated, and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Senecio Littoralis is native to the coastal areas of California and Oregon, USA. It can be found growing on sand dunes, bluffs, and rocky cliffs. This plant is well adapted to the harsh coastal environment, tolerating salt spray and strong winds. It is an important plant species for stabilizing sand dunes and preventing soil erosion.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Senecio Littoralis grow in other regions besides coastal areas?
A: While this plant is well adapted to coastal environments, it can also be grown in other regions as long as it is provided with well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
Q: Is Senecio Littoralis toxic?
A: Yes, this plant can be toxic if ingested. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage.
Q: How often should I fertilize Senecio Littoralis?
A: This plant does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring should be sufficient.
Q: Can Senecio Littoralis be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, this plant can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Senecio Peregrinus
- Senecio Mandraliscae
- Senecio Vitalis
References
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/senecio-littoralis-beach-groundsel
- https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Senecio+littoralis
- https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/184818/
