Seaside Ragwort (Senecio pseudo-arnica)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −40 °C
Cultivation
Succeeds in a sunny position in most well-drained moderately fertile soils. Judging by its native habitat, this plant should tolerate maritime exposure[K]. Hardy to about -15°c.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Make sure the compost does not dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer if they have grown sufficiently. Otherwise, grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out the following year after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Root cuttings in early spring.
Edible uses
The fleshy stems and young leaves - cooked. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Medicinal uses
A poultice of the leaves has been used to drain cuts and boils.
Habitat
Shingle by the sea.
Native range
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.