Fireweed

Senecio madagascariensis

Fireweed

DESCRIPTION

Erect annual or biennial herb 20–60cm high, sometimes branching, glabrous or sparsely hairy. Narrow-lanceolate to elliptic or oblanceolate leaves 2–7cm long by 3–10mm wide, margins entire or toothed (rarely upper leaves pinnatifid), tapered stem-clasping base.

FLOWERS AND FRUIT

Corymbose inflorescence of 2–10 bright yellow flowers from spring to autumn; 19-21 involucral bracts 4–5mm long; 8-12 bracteoles 8–12; 13-15 ray florets. Brown achenes 1.5–2.5mm long; pappus 4–6.5mm long.

HABITAT AND RANGE

Degraded pasture and disturbed sites in (mainly) coastal districts from Bega New South Wales to Dawson Range (west to Dubbo). A native of South Africa, it is a declared noxious weed toxic to cattle and horses if eaten.