Contents
Description
Senecio Squalidus, commonly known as the Oxford Ragwort, is a flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to the Mediterranean region but is now widely found in other parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Australia. It is a biennial or short-lived perennial herb that grows up to a height of 60-90 cm.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Senecio |
Appearance
Senecio Squalidus has a bushy habit with a basal rosette of leaves. The leaves are deeply lobed and toothed, and they have a dark green color. The stem is branched, and it bears many yellow flowers in flat-topped clusters. The flowers have a diameter of 1-2 cm and are composed of both disk and ray flowers. The plant blooms from June to September.
Care Guide
Senecio Squalidus is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for growing and caring for this beautiful plant:
Water
Senecio Squalidus prefers well-drained soil that is kept evenly moist. Water the plant deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Senecio Squalidus does not require much fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once in the spring, and again in mid-summer.
Soil
Senecio Squalidus can grow in a wide range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral.
Sunlight
Senecio Squalidus prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not bloom as well.
Hardiness Zones
Senecio Squalidus is a hardy plant that can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Senecio Squalidus is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust. To prevent these diseases, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Senecio Squalidus is native to the Mediterranean region, where it grows in dry and rocky habitats. It prefers well-drained soil and can grow in full sun or partial shade. In other parts of the world, it is commonly found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and waste places.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Senecio Squalidus poisonous?
A: Yes, Senecio Squalidus is toxic to both humans and animals if ingested. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver damage or even death in large quantities.
Q: Can Senecio Squalidus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Senecio Squalidus can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and is filled with a well-draining potting mix.
Q: How often should I fertilize Senecio Squalidus?
A: Senecio Squalidus does not require much fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once in the spring, and again in mid-summer.
Q: How can I propagate Senecio Squalidus?
A: Senecio Squalidus can be propagated by seed or by division in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Senecio vulgaris
- Senecio jacobaea
- Senecio aureus
- Senecio cineraria
References
- CABI. (2021). Senecio squalidus (Oxford ragwort). In CABI Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/111191
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Senecio squalidus. Retrieved September 28, 2021, from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c407
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. (n.d.). Senecio squalidus. Retrieved September 28, 2021, from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:248145-1
