Lambstongue Ragwort

(Senecio integerrimus)

Lambstongue Ragwort (Senecio integerrimus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Senecio integerrimus, commonly known as Lambstongue ragwort or Tall Western Groundsel, is a biennial or perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including grasslands, meadows, open woodlands, and forest edges in western and central North America. It typically grows to a height of 8 to 28 inches (20 to 71 centimeters) and is characterized by its erect stems, linear to lance-shaped leaves, and slightly hairy to woolly herbage. The plant produces inflorescences consisting of clusters of flower heads with yellow to cream to white ray florets, which bloom from late spring to early summer and are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Lambstongue ragwort is valued for its ease of maintenance and its ability to thrive in a range of conditions, making it a popular choice for wildflower gardens, naturalized areas, and restoration projects. It prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate a variety of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it is drought-tolerant once established, moderate watering will encourage more robust growth. Lambstongue ragwort is not commonly associated with serious diseases or pests, but it can be susceptible to rust and leaf spot. Gardeners should be aware that Senecio species can contain toxic alkaloids and should be handled with care, especially around pets and livestock.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.75-1.1 feet
  • Width: 1-2.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White, Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Grasslands, meadows, open woodlands, and forest edges

Other Names

Common Names: Western Groundsel, Entire Ragwort, Lamb-Tongue Ragwort, Lambs-Tongue Ragwort, Lambstongue Groundsel, Single-Stem Butterweed, Western Ragwort, Entire-Leaved Groundsel

Scientific Names: , Senecio integerrimus, Cacalia integerrima, Senecio integerrimus f. integerrimus, Senecio perplexus, Senecio perplexus var. dispar,

GBIF Accepted Name: