Stout Meadow Groundsel
Senecio hydrophiloides
Last reviewed: June 2026
Stout Meadow Groundsel is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). 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.
Stout Meadow 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
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Senecio hydrophiloides is a compact native perennial that forms tidy clumps of foliage reaching up to 2 feet tall. It produces clusters of small yellow daisy-like flowers from June through August and thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Stout Meadow 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.
- Senecio species often appear weedy to conventional gardeners
- Unknown leaf retention makes seasonal appearance unpredictable
- Yellow daisy flowers may be perceived as too wild or informal for front yards
Wildlife value
This plant attracts bees and butterflies during its summer blooming period. The flowers provide nectar for pollinators when many other native plants may be dormant.
Common questions
- How much sun does Stout Meadow Groundsel need?
- Stout Meadow Groundsel grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Stout Meadow Groundsel bloom?
- Stout Meadow Groundsel blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Stout Meadow Groundsel native?
- Stout Meadow Groundsel (Senecio hydrophiloides) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Stout Meadow Groundsel toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Stout Meadow 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 Stout Meadow Groundsel toxic to cats?
- Yes. Stout Meadow 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 Stout Meadow Groundsel toxic to livestock?
- Stout Meadow 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 Stout Meadow Groundsel attract?
- Stout Meadow Groundsel draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Stout Meadow Groundsel HOA-friendly?
- Stout Meadow Groundsel takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Stout Meadow Groundsel and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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