Meet the large-fruit groundsel
Scientific name: Senecio macrocarpus
Conservation status
Australian Government status: vulnerable
Victorian status: threatened
About
The large-fruit groundsel (Senecio macrocarpus) is a perennial daisy largely found in South Australia with a sprinkling of plants in the grassy woodlands and grasslands of Victoria.
Recognisable by its grey-green foliage and yellow flowers, the plant has distinctive white seed heads, rather like dandelions, but fluffier. Plants flower from September to November, and occasionally in March and April, with some plants supporting up to 150 yellow flower heads in favourable conditions.
The 2010 National Recovery Plan for the species noted around 35,000 plants detected between the 1980s and early 2000s, and the species has been found in pockets of the MSA area.
To further strengthen the population, Parks Victoria planted around 1,000 large-fruit groundsel seedlings into the Western Grassland Reserve area in spring 2025.
Where are they found?
Victoria and South Australia. In Victoria, the species has been recorded from near Horsham in the west to near Omeo in the east, with most records from western Victoria.
Threats
- habitat disturbance and loss
- competition from other plants
- grazing
- weed invasion.
What are we doing?
We are working to protect the large-fruit groundsel in our conservation areas and reserves.
Page last updated: 01/09/26