Family:

Asteraceae

Senecio quadridentatus

Cotton Fireweed

Other Names: n/a

Regional Subspecies: n/a

Habit:

Usually unbranched, erect, perennial herb to 1 m high. Variable hairs on stems and foliage. Leaves narrow, linear or broader, lanceolate, with variously toothed or dissected margins. Yellow, petaloid or small, discoid flowers in terminal clusters (Sep-Feb).

Habitat & Site Preference:

Common in various habitats with low fertility soils and without prolonged waterlogging. Prefers 300 – 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina.

Seed Collection & Propagation:

Collect seed mid Nov-Jan (seeds become fluffy when mature and fall easily). Propagate from seed, may have 2-3 month after-ripening period.

Values & Uses:

Useful coloniser of bare ground after fire or disturbance.