Prairie groundsel
Also known as: prairie ragwort
Packera plattensis (Nutt.) W.A. Weber
[=Senecio plattensis Nutt. ]
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Morphology
- Stem
- Erect, single or rarely 2-3-clustered, generally unbranched, woolly-hairy below.
- Leaves
- Alternate, stalked below, sessile above, sometimes purplish-tinged, woolly-hairy when young, nearly glabrous when mature; basal leaves elliptic-ovate to oblong-lanceolate, 1/2 to 4 inches long, 1/4 to 2 inches wide; margins toothed; stem leaves pinnately divided, irregularly dissected, or, nearly entire; upper leaves gradually reduced in size.
- Inflorescence
- Flat-topped clusters of 6-20 heads, terminal; heads bell-shaped, about 1 inch wide; bracts frequently 13 or 21, about 1/4 inch long.
- Flower
- Ray florets 8-13, less than 1/2 inch long, yellow; disk florets numerous, corollas yellowish orange.
- Fruit
- Achenes, ribbed, minutely hairy or glabrous, tipped with long, white, hair-like bristles, enclosing small seed.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Dry upland prairies and roadsides, on rocky, sandy or gravelly soils.
- Distribution
- Nearly throughout Kansas.
Practical Information
- Toxicity
- Prairie groundsel can be poisonous to cattle, and they are known to consume it. However, it rarely occurs in populations large enough to be a problem.
Synonyms
Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.
Scientific Name: Senecio plattensis
Full Citation: Senecio plattensis Nutt.
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Asteraceae - Sunflower Family
- Life Span
- Biennial
- Height
- 4-28 inches
- Last Updated
- 2007-10-05
Color Groups
Flowering Period
Blooms: April, May, June