Flower Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| English Name | Groundsel |
| MainColor | Yellow |
| PlantType |  Herb |
| Growth Type |  Native |
| Season | July |
| ImageUrl | Senecio-001 |
| Photographer | DP |
| Location | St Albans |
| Human Toxicity |  Highly_Toxic |
Flower Details
Description
A fast-growing annual weed with deeply lobed leaves and clusters of small yellow flower heads that quickly form fluffy seed tufts.
Distribution
Native to the UK and Europe; common in disturbed soils, gardens, and wastelands.
Medicinal/Other Uses
Historically used as a purgative and for menstrual issues, but now largely abandoned due to toxicity.
Edibility
Not edible – highly toxic.
Human Toxicity
Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic to the liver. Even small doses over time can cause serious harm.
Pet Toxicity
Highly toxic to cats, dogs, and livestock – ingestion can lead to liver damage or failure.
Active Compounds
Senecionine, seneciphylline, jacobine (all hepatotoxic alkaloids).