What is groundsel?
By Chelsie Vandaveer
August 4, 2003
Series: | 1 | | 2 | | 3 |
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Gardens Alive! -$20 off—>Click here.
Suggested Reading—>Click here.
Assorted Killer Savings Garden Links—>Click here.
Killer Picks: Southern &, Northern Turf™ Brand Grass Seed—>Click here.
Turf Alive!® III Brand, Turf Alive!®III with Rhizomes—>Click here.
Original WOW!® [With Out Weeds] Pre-Emergence Weed Control—>Click here.
Common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris Linnaeus) is a weedy member of the Asteraceae (Compositae) native to Eurasia. It was introduced wherever Europeans settled, probably arriving with animal bedding and fodder. Common groundsel has become a nuisance species
in most temperate areas of the world.
Common groundsel produces pyrrolizidine alkaloids which cause irreversible liver damage. Cattle and horses feeding in infested pastures or receiving contaminated hay are at risk from these toxins. ("Common Groundsel, Senecio vulgaris L.", Susan Aldrich-Markham, Weeds, Pacific Northwest Extension Publication, 1994) This toxic weed was once used medicinally.
John Gerard wrote "The leaves of Groundsell boyled in wine or water, and drunke, healeth the paine and ache of the stomacke that proceedeth of choler (excessive bile caused by liver dysfunction and thought to cause an ill-natured disposition).
"The leaves and floures stamped with a little Hogs grease ceaseth the burning heat of the stones (testicles) and fundament (rectum). By adding to a little saffron or salt it helpeth the...Kings Evill (swollen glands in the neck caused by tuberculin infection).
"The leaves stamped and strained into milke and drunke, helpeth the red gummes and frets in children (teething pain)." (The Herbal or General Historie of Plants, John Gerard, 1633 edition)
Human contact with common groundsel is usually limited--pulling weeds, mowing, or brushing against the plant. It is a memorable experience--bruised or crushed, the leaves emit a nauseating odor. Perhaps, Gerard's medicinals were a case of the cure worse than the disease.
The Missouri Flora website has photographs of common groundsel taken by Dan Tenaglia. Hi, Dan! To view the photographs, click on the link:
http://www.missouriplants.com/Yellowalt/Senecio_vulgaris_page.html
Series: | 1 | | 2 | | 3 |
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Suggested Reading:
How did a herbicide make a better weed? Weird Plants - August 7, 2003
Why was it called an old man? What's in a Name? - August 8, 2003
What weed was a treatment for mange? Herbal Folklore - January 5, 2004
What was spirit weed? Herbal Folklore - October 11, 2004
What common weed is called a poorman's weatherglass? What's in a Name? - October 26, 2001
What is the withywind? Weird Plants - November 7, 2002
What lawn weed was once a tonic? Herbal Folklore - January 28, 2002
Killer Savings Links:
Breck's Bulbs -$25 off—>Click here.
Gurney's Seed and Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Henry Fields Seed and Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Spring Hill Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Gardens Alive! -$20 off—>Click here.
Michigan Bulb -$20 off—>Click here.
Unique Professionally Designed Gardens
Springhill Nursery®
Spring Hill Nursery has unique gardens professionally designed by experts to take the guesswork out of gardening. Whether you are looking for a three season garden, foundation garden, or a garden to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, Spring Hill Nursery has created a step-by-step design just for you.
Click here - $20 off your first order at Spring Hill Nursery!
|
BACK TO TOP
