Seasonal Wild Flowers

Sticky Groundsel

Senecio viscosus

Asteraceae

Stinking Groundsel

July to September

It is found throughout the countryexcept for parts of the

far Southwest

See the BSBI distribution map for Sticky Groundsel

It grows on seashores, waste ground, banks and walls,

and beside roads and railways.

It is a neophyte, first recorded in the wild 1660s, and

spread greatly in the C20th.

The small form found on coastal shingle may be native.

Sticky Groundsel is a sticky, unpleasant smelling, annual

herb, growing up to 60cm.

Flowerheads are on long stalks and are up to 1cm.

They are bright, pale yellow and the 13 outer ray florets

are thin.

Bracts are green tipped.

Leaves are grey-green, sticky (glandular), and much

divided.

Sticky Groundsel on shingle

Flowerheads from the side

Flowerheads from above

Close-up of flower head - 13 ray florets

Side view - green bracts and curled ray florets

Curled ray florets from above

Fruiting clock

Leaves