How much sun does Common Groundsel need?

Common Groundsel grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Common Groundsel bloom?

Common Groundsel blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, and September.

Is Common Groundsel toxic to dogs?

Yes. Common Groundsel is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Common Groundsel toxic to cats?

Yes. Common Groundsel is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Common Groundsel toxic to livestock?

Common Groundsel is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.

What pollinators does Common Groundsel attract?

Common Groundsel draws bees, flies, and beetles.

Is Common Groundsel HOA-friendly?

Common Groundsel takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Common Groundsel

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Senecio vulgaris

Last reviewed: August 2026

Common Groundsel is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Common Groundsel is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Pollinators

bees, flies, beetles

Native alternatives to Common Groundsel

Common Groundsel is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Common fireweed is a small annual wildflower that grows 6-24 inches tall with inconspicuous flowers that bloom from spring through fall. This native plant prefers partial shade and moderate moisture, making it suitable for understory areas. Despite its name, it produces small yellow flowers rather than showy blooms.

In an HOA neighborhood

Common Groundsel takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Often considered a weed due to common name and appearance
Inconspicuous flowers may look unkempt
Annual nature creates seasonal bare spots

Wildlife value

The long blooming period from March through September provides nectar for bees, flies, and beetles throughout the growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Common Groundsel need?: Common Groundsel grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Common Groundsel bloom?: Common Groundsel blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, and September.
Is Common Groundsel toxic to dogs?: Yes. Common Groundsel is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Common Groundsel toxic to cats?: Yes. Common Groundsel is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Common Groundsel toxic to livestock?: Common Groundsel is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
What pollinators does Common Groundsel attract?: Common Groundsel draws bees, flies, and beetles.
Is Common Groundsel HOA-friendly?: Common Groundsel takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Common Groundsel and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.

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