Asteraceae

Senecio madagascariensis

Common Names: Fireweed

Plant Form: Annual or perennial herb. Size: 10-70 cm tall. Stem: Thin, green, branches further up. Leaves: Bright green, fleshy, narrow, alternate along stems, highly variable edges. Flowers: Small, yellow, daisy-like 1-2 cm diameter. Up to 15 petals. Clusters at the end of branches. Fruit and Seeds: Very small seeds, 1-3 mm long, cylindrical. Habitat: Roadsides, pasture, open forest, bare ground. Distinguishing Features: Extremely similar to several native Senecio species. The best way to distinguish is by 13-15 petal count and fibrous root system. Impacts: Toxic, contaminates hay, outcompetes native plants.

Flowers

Often leaves without lobes

Flowers profusely