Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Senecio vulgaris is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower all year, and the seeds ripen all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - cooked or raw. The young leaves have been used in many areas as a salad, though this is very inadvisable, see the notes on toxicity at the top of the page. — Leaves - cooked or raw.; The young leaves have been used in many areas as a salad, though this is very inadvisable, see the notes on toxicity at the top of the page.

Habitat & North American Range

Found along roadsides and waste places, it is also a common weed of cultivated land, succeeding on most soils but avoiding shade. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)