Common groundsel may reach four to eighteen inches tall. Seedlings are small rosettes of deeply notched or lobed leaves one to four inches long and 1/4 as wide. Leaves are hairless to woolly or hairy. Leaves are alternate on the hollow stems of older plants. The lower stems and undersides of lower leaves are purplish in color. Flower heads are borne in clusters on somewhat branching stems. Each 1/4- to 1/2-inch flower head is broadest at the green base and narrow at the top, with yellow disk flowers barely visible at the top. Ray flowers or "petals" are absent. Seeds are tipped with silky white hairs, somewhat like dandelion seeds. SPECIAL INFORMATION: Common groundsel seedlings may be mistaken for seedling tansy ragwort plants (Senecio jacobaea). Both species are toxic to cattle and horses, causing chronic liver damage. Common groundsel is designated as a Class 'C' noxious weed in WASHINGTON. Management may be required by law in your county. Consult your local Noxious Weed Control Board for more information.

Habitat

Common groundsel grows on moist, rich soils in gardens, croplands, and waste areas. It is widespread throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Management Options

Non-Chemical Management

Weed infestation can be reduced by cultivation methods such as rototilling or hoeing, where practical.
Reduce weed infestation by handpulling weeds.
Careful digging is useful to manage weed populations. However, digging can carry undesirable weed seed to the surface and foster further germination.

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides

Apply according to label directions. Glyphosate and glufosinate products should be applied as spot treatments only! NOTE: Some ingredients listed here are only available in combination. Read the label carefully on combination products to make sure the product is suitable for your specific situation.

Landscape areas

glyphosate
dichlobenil
glufosinate

Turf areas

products containing 2,4-D

Bare ground areas

glyphosate

Images

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Caption: Common groundsel Photo by: R. Parker
Caption: Common groundsel flower heads Photo by: D.G. Swan
Caption: Common groundsel seed heads Photo by: R. Parker
Caption: Groundsel buds Photo by: T. W. Miller

WSU Extension

Hortsense