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Shrubby Butterweed

Senecio flaccidus

Out of stock

1 Gallon

Plant Care

Native region:

Mojave; Sonoran; Chihuahuan Deserts

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Full Sun; Filtered Sun

2-4'x2-4'

Fast

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

Yellow

Summer; Fall

None

Wildlife

Monarchs:

Nectar pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Rabbit resistant:

Shrubby Butterweed goes by many names - Threadleaf Ragwort, Bush Senecio, Douglas Groundsel, and Cenicillo, to name a few—but I was introduced to it as Shrubby Butterweed, and the name stuck. This fast-growing, short-lived perennial shrub (living about 3 to 6 years) reaches up to 4.5 feet tall and is native to the southwestern United States. It thrives in gravelly washes, dry creek beds, roadsides, and trails from 1,800 to 6,500 feet in elevation. Its finely divided, evergreen blue-green foliage is soft and hairy to the touch, giving it a silvery appearance. Bright one-inch yellow daisy-like flowers bloom in abundance, attracting butterflies, native bees, hummingbirds, and other small wildlife. This is a great plant for revegetation, erosion control, or dryland gardens. It even tolerates light shade so long as it can dry out, and loves sandy soils. It’s an excellent nectar source and a reliable addition to any pollinator garden.

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.