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Shrubby Butterweed

Senecio flaccidus

true

1 Gallon

Shrubby Butterweed

In stock

2-4'x2-4'

Sizes:

Shrubby Butterweed – Senecio flaccidus

Also known as: Threadleaf Ragwort, Bush Senecio, Douglas Groundsel, Cenicillo

Shrubby Butterweed is a fast-growing, short-lived perennial subshrub native to arid regions of the southwestern U.S., including California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. In California, it is found throughout the Mojave Desert and desert-adjacent mountains, but also occurs in the Coachella Valley, particularly in dry washes and disturbed areas.

Reaching 2 to 4.5 feet in height, this sunflower family member is known for its finely divided, silvery blue-green foliage. The soft, hairy leaves help it withstand drought by reducing water loss. It thrives in sandy or gravelly soils, along roadsides, washes, and open desert at elevations ranging from about 1,000 to 6,000 feet. Although adapted to full sun and extreme heat, it appreciates some filtered shade in the hottest low desert zones and benefits from occasional summer irrigation to prolong bloom.

From late winter through spring—and sometimes again after summer monsoons—it produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers about one inch across. The blooms are lightly fragrant and especially attractive to butterflies, native bees, and other pollinators. Though relatively short-lived (often 3–6 years), it frequently reseeds, making it a good option for pollinator gardens and revegetation projects.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Desert Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes); Marine Blue (Leptotes marina); Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus); Neumoegen’s Sagebrush Checkerspot (Chlosyne neumoegeni); Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui); White-lined Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineata)
Bird Resources: Insect prey; Seeds
Bird Species: Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria); House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus); Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae); Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna)
Bees: Attracts a wide range of native bees, including sweat bees (Halictidae), leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.), and bumble bees (Bombus spp.)

Plant Care

Native region:

Mojave; Sonoran; Chihuahuan Deserts

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Filtered Sun

Mature size:

2-4'x2-4'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Yellow

Flower season:

Spring; Summer; Fall

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

0 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.