Cressleaf groundsel is taller than common groundsel and has a hollow
stem. Photo courtesy of Arlyn W. Evans, Memphis, TN
Habitat: wet woods, swamps, streambanks, pastures, roadsides and fields
Life cycle: biennial
Growth Habit: 1-3 feet tall, branched
Leaves: alternate, deeply divided with wide, round-toothed lobes; basal and lower leaves up to 8 inches long; upper leaves similar but smaller
Stems: succulent, smooth and hollow
Inflorescence: April - June. Clusters of bright yellow, daisylike blooms, 0.5 - 1 inch in diameter. Each flower is enclosed by green bracts.
Fruit: white pappus
Roots: fibrous
Similar weeds: Common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) usually does not have a hollow stem and is shorter than Cressleaf groundsel.
The problem is.... this weed is poisonous to grazing animals and spreads very quickly. The name groundsel is from the Anglo-Saxon word groundeswelge which means "ground swallower."
Cressleaf groundsel is taller than common groundsel and has a hollow
stem. Photo courtesy of Arlyn W. Evans, Memphis, TN
