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Broom Groundsel, Many-headed Groundsel

Scientific Name: Senecio spartioides Torr. & Gray
Synonym: Senecio multicapitatus
Family: Asteraceae

Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 3: 541.

Recommended Temperature Zone:
USDA: 6-10

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to -20° F (-28° C)

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Southwestern USA, from western Texas to California, north to Wyoming, and northwestern Mexico, 3500 to 10000 feet elevation (1000-3000 m)

Growth Habits: Bushy short-lived perennial, 8 inches to 3 feet tall (20-90 cm) or more with woody base, up to 2.5 feet spread (75 cm); thread-like leaves with smooth margins, up to 3 inches long (7.5 cm), simple for the variety spartioides, pinnately divided for the variety multicapitatus.

Watering Needs: Very low water

Propagation: Seeds, can self seed in abundance and become a weed

All parts of this plant are toxic, fresh or dry. Although the plant is not very palatable, livestock poisoning is not uncommon.

Blooming Habits:
Numerous showy yellow flower heads, in summer and autumn.

List of All the Plants | More in the Asteraceae family

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