Common Fireweed
Senecio vulgaris L.
Senecio vulgaris L., a member of the Asteraceae family, is a flowering plant native to the Palaearctic and naturalized in disturbed habitats globally. It is an annual herb commonly known as groundsel or old-man-in-the-spring. The species was first described in 1753. The type material has been the subject of taxonomic discussion, with various authors proposing different specimens as the type. Jeffrey's 1992 choice is currently accepted.
Description
Senecio vulgaris is widely distributed across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, including Greenland, Canada, the United States, and Portugal. It is a common ruderal species, often found in disturbed areas. The plant's taxonomic history includes multiple proposals for the type specimen, with the final accepted type being based on Jeffrey's 1992 determination. The species is recognized for its ability to colonize disturbed soils and is a widespread member of the Asteraceae family.
Other common names
Old-man-in-the-springCommon FireweedCommon GroundselCommon RagwortGroundsel
Distribution
Greenland · Labrador · Newfoundland · Alberta · British Columbia · Manitoba · New Brunswick · Nova Scotia · Northwest Territories · Ontario · Prince Edward Island · Quebec · Saskatchewan · Yukon · Saint Pierre and Miquelon · Açores · Madeira · Portugal Continental · BR · Faial Island · Flores Island · Graciosa Island · Pico Island · Santa Maria Island · São Miguel Island · Terceira Island · Desertas · Madeira Island · Porto Santo island · DK
Synonyms
Erigeron senecioSenecio vulgari-humilisSenecio vulgaris var. vulgaris
