Hi DaveyTree!
In its grown up state, seems we see these all over the place. Looks like a garden variety weed.
It is supposedly found only in the west in North America.
Here's what Wikipedia says:
Senecio aronicoides is a species of flowering plant in the aster family known by the
common name rayless ragwort. It is native to Oregon and northern and central California,
where it can be found in the woodlands and forests of mountains and foothills, often in
relatively dry habitat. It is a biennial or perennial herb growing up to about 90 centimeters tall...
Ragwort sounds like an allergen.
Since it is considered an herb, wonder if it is used medicinally or for flavoring... did not find that yet but ran across another common name for it, California Butterweed.
