Sticky Groundsel (Senecio viscosus)

Sticky Groundsel

Senecio viscosus

Sticky hairs cloak its stems, a wild roadside beauty. Annual herbaceous flowering plant; common name: Sticky Groundsel.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open, disturbed areas and tolerates roadside conditions
💧
Watering Water when the top 2 cm of soil dries out; drought-tolerant once established, avoid overwatering
🌡️
Temperature Tolerates light frost (0°C); grows best in 15–25°C; avoid extreme heat above 30°C
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Lanceolate to oblong leaves with toothed margins, covered in glandular sticky hairs
  • Flower: Clusters of yellow daisy-like composite flowers with small ray florets
  • Stem: Erect, branched stems densely coated in sticky, glandular hairs
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil slightly moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed once monthly. Use low-nitrogen feed to prioritize flower production over leaf growth

Composted eggshell powder:Mix 1 tablespoon of finely ground, fully dried eggshell powder into the top 2 cm of soil every 2 months to improve soil drainage and nutrient content
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage prolonged blooming through the growing season
  • Thin overcrowded stems to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
  • Cut back dead foliage after flowering to prevent fungal spore buildup for subsequent plantings
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids; may cause liver failure with repeated exposure

Humans: Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids; prolonged ingestion may cause liver damage; skin contact can cause mild irritation

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental wildflower for pollinator gardens; provides nectar for bees and butterflies