Wood Groundsel

Senecio sylvaticus (Sunflower Family) Wood groundsel is a tall, 1 to 3 foot, semiannual herb with a general aura of ugliness. The generally unbranched stems lead up to the inflorescence which consists of numerous small heads. The alternate leaves are pinnately divided and toothed like those of the dandelion; the upper leaves have no stalks The rays are very small and the disc flowers are largely hidden by the white pappus. Thus, the flowers are not at all showy. This species does not invade open forests. A European native. woody groundsel is spreading rapidly in the coastal mountains, especially in Oregon. Ours grow in our big circle in the sunny fringes.