Austrailian Fireweed

Botanical name:  Senecio bipinnatisectus (Erechtites atkinsoniae)

Common name(s): Austrailian Fireweed 

Plant facts:

A fast-growing, weedy herb that is either annual or short-lived perennial. Typically grows up to 2–3 m tall. Originally thought to be introduced from Australia, it is now recognised as a natural trans-Tasman coloniser. Common in disturbed environments where it establishes quickly and spreads easily.

Natural habitat: 

Found in disturbed sites such as tracks, forest edges, dunes, and along clay or gravel road margins.

Growing environment:

Dry, Coastal, Disturbed soils tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South, Stewart, Chatham, and Three Kings Islands and also Australia.

Height: 2-3m

Flowering: 

Numerous small yellow flower heads arranged in loose, branching clusters. Unlike many daisies, there are no obvious ray florets (petals), giving the flower heads a compact appearance.

Fruiting:

Late summer to early winter but can be found year round.

Uses: 

Pioneer Plantings.

How to grow:

Easily grown from seed. Prefers open, disturbed ground and establishes rapidly with little care.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.