Tall Fireweed

Images ©:
©Senecio runcinifolius Giorgio De Nola CC2.5, Senecio runcinifolius Giorgio De Nola CC2.5, Senecio runcinifolius Russel Best CC2.5, Senecio runcinifolius Russel Best CC2.5

Senecio runcinifolius

Erect loose herb to 1 m tall. Leaves oval to oblong and clasping the stem, 5-15 cm long, lobed with more than 8 pairs of toothed lobes all pointing downwards (runcinate). Yellow or yellow-green tubular flowerheads are small and narrow, held in sparse clusters of 20-50 flowers at the end of stalks. Seedheads very fluffy.

Details
Flora Type
Herbs
Other Common Names
Tall Groundsel
Distinctive Features

The toothed downward-pointing leaves and the lax form are characteristic, as well as its height (to 1 m).
Biology

Annual or short-lived perennial. Prone to sites subject to flooding. Dies off after flowering. Seeds dispersed by wind.
Native Status
Native
Flowering Time

Aug-Nov (usually after rain)
Taxonomy
Phylum
Tracheophyta (Vascular Plants)
Class
Magnoliopsida (Flowering Plants)
Order
Asterales
Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Senecio
Species
runcinifolius

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

The name fireweed refers to the large stands of this plant that often establish after fire. Seeds germinate mainly in autumn, with growth mainly in winter. Often dies off over summer to a rootstock which reshoots in autumn.

Interesting Facts
Native Status
Native