Senecio Scorzonella, commonly known as the Alpine Groundsel, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This perennial plant is native to the mountainous regions of Europe, including the Alps, Pyrenees, and Carpathians. The plant is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and rockeries. In this encyclopedia entry, we will discuss the taxonomic information, appearance, care guide, common pests and diseases, habitat, related plants, and references related to Senecio Scorzonella.
Contents
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Senecio |
Appearance
The Alpine Groundsel is a low-growing plant that reaches a height of 8-10 cm. It produces basal rosettes of dark green leaves that are deeply lobed and have a hairy texture. The leaves are 2-5 cm long and 1-3 cm wide. The plant produces yellow flowers that are 1-2 cm in diameter and bloom from May to August. The flowers are arranged in corymbs and have a pleasant scent. The plant is a hardy perennial that grows in clumps and spreads by rhizomes.
Care Guide
The Alpine Groundsel is an easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is kept evenly moist. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but be careful not to overwater it.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require a lot of fertilizer. You can feed it with a slow-release fertilizer once a year in the spring.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in sandy or loamy soil, but it needs good drainage.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not bloom as well in low light conditions.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Alpine Groundsel is a relatively pest-free plant, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust. You can control these diseases by keeping the plant dry and removing infected leaves. The plant is also susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered or planted in poorly-drained soil.
Habitat
The Alpine Groundsel is native to the mountainous regions of Europe, where it grows in alpine meadows and rocky crevices. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate cold temperatures and high altitudes. It is a hardy plant that can survive in harsh growing conditions.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that are similar to Senecio Scorzonella:
- Senecio Aureus
- Senecio Aquaticus
- Senecio Vulgaris
- Senecio Jacobaea
References
- “Senecio Scorzonella.” Alpine Garden Society. https://www.alpinegardensociety.net/plants/senecio/scorzonella/
- “Senecio Scorzonella.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c460
- “Senecio Scorzonella.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/14224/Senecio-scorzonella/Details
