Senecio sylvaticus L.

Erect, annual herb, (10)–20–60–(120) cm tall. Stems sparsely to moderately hairy, branched or not from base. Basal and lower cauline lvs sparsely to moderately hairy especially on lower surface, petiolate; petiole < lamina, slightly amplexicaul or not at base; lamina lyrate-pinnatifid to 1–(2)-pinnatifid, elliptic, narrow-obovate to oblong, obtuse and mucronate at apex, 3–15 × 1–5 cm; venation pinnate; segments usually ± oblong, irregularly dentate. Upper cauline lvs becoming smaller, narrower, apetiolate, and often finally 1-pinnatisect or simply dentate. Capitula in loose panicles. Supplementary bracts 3–6, linear to lanceolate, 1–3 mm long. Involucral bracts 12–14–(16), linear, 5.5–8 mm long, with scattered fine hairs. Ray florets usually 7–11–(13), very rarely 0; ligules yellow, 0.5–2 mm long, soon revolute. Disc bright yellow, 2–3 mm diam. Achenes terete or slightly flattened, with 3–6 rows of hairs between ribs, 2–2.5 mm long; pappus 5–7 mm long.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Oct.–Feb.–(Apr.)