Ethnobotany

1. Shrubby Butterweed – Senecio flaccidus var. douglasii
(sen-EE-see-oh FLAS-i-dus DUG-las-ee-eye)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Much of Southwestern U.S. from CA to CO, TX and northwestern Mexico; common plant
in gravelly washes and dry creek beds, and along roads and trails in coastal sage scrub, chaparral
and S. Oak Woodlands, usually away from the coast.
Growth characteristics: woody sub-shrub mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 2-3 ft.
Small, many-branched rounded shrub, woody at the base but herbaceous above. Foliage fine-
textured, an attractive blue-green. Leaves have narrow, needle-like lobes and may be smooth or
hairy.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms July to November in lowlands of Los Angeles Co. Flowers are showy, one-
inch yellow ‘daisy’ flowers on stems above the foliage. Seeds are wind-borne with fluffy hairs.
Uses in the garden: Most useful as a fall-blooming shrub in dry native gardens. Also good for slope
stabilization/erosion control. Would do fine in large post/planters. Note: plant is toxic to
animals and humans. Flowers produce a yellow dye.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubby sunflowers like Marguerites.
Attracts: Excellent insect and bird habitat. Particularly good as fall butterfly nectar plant.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part shade.
Soil Any, but sandy or rocky soils preferred.
Water Little to no water once established (Zone 1/2)
Fertilizer none
Other
Management: Easy to grow. Will re-seed on bare ground.
Propagation: from seed: direct sow outdoors in fall by cuttings: probably, late spring
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 6, 10, 13, 14, 16 12/15/10
© Project SOUND