Senecio hercynicus which occurs in the mountains of Central and Southeast Europe is clearly distinguished from the similar and more frequent species Senecio ovatus because the upper part of its green parts has glandular hairs, expecially the very long outer bracts. The leaves of Senecio hercynicus are wider, and the serrature at their edges tends to be coarser. Senecio hercynicus is earlier in flower than Senecio ovatus.
Often one can find intermediate forms between Senecio hercynicus and Senecio ovatus which are shown on page Senecio hercynicus x ovatus.