How to identify Small's ragwort (Packera anonyma)

How to identify Small's ragwort (Packera anonyma)

Small's ragwort, also known as Appalachian groundsel, Southern ragwort

Small's ragwort exhibits prominent yellow composite flowers, each consisting of a central disk surrounded by ray florets, typical of the Aster family. The plant's foliar arrangement is alternating, with toothed leaves gradually reducing in size towards the top. These leaves have a somewhat succulent texture. Standing 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) tall, the erect stems are sparsely branched. In bloom, small's ragwort provides an early-season nectar source and presents as a clumped perennial, displaying a green to glaucous hue.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen

Quickly Identify Small's ragwort

Bright yellow composite flowers with ray and disc flowers in clusters of 20-100.

Ellipsoid-shaped achenes with delicate white bristle pappus resembling a fluffy cotton ball.

Narrowly elliptic basal leaves up to 1 foot long, serrated margins, and pinnately lobed.

Ribbed, glabrous stem up to 2 feet tall with occasional branching and minimal hair.

Detailed Traits of Small's ragwort

Leaf Features

The basal leaves of small's ragwort are narrowly elliptic to oblanceolate, reaching up to 1 foot (30 cm) long with serrated margins. They taper into long stems and are generally glabrous (smooth). Stem leaves are alternate, either sessile or with short stems, reducing in size upwards along the stem. These leaves often exhibit a pinnately lobed pattern. This distinctive combination makes the leaves a key feature in identifying small's ragwort.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Small's ragwort features bright yellow ray and disc flowers arranged in flat-topped clusters, each cluster having 20-100 individual flowers. Each flower is about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) wide, with 8-15 rays per flower. The vibrant yellow blooms, typically appearing from April to early June, are essential for easy identification.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of small's ragwort is characterized by its ribbed and typically glabrous surface, giving it a smooth texture with minimal hair. Hairs are usually present only near the base and within the leaf axils. The stems are green and can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) in height. They are sturdy with a moderate thickness, supporting occasional branching which can help in identifying the plant.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of small's ragwort consists of ellipsoid-shaped achenes, which are small, dry, and single-seeded, not opening at maturity. These achenes are accompanied by a pappus, a tuft of delicate white bristles. The pappus can aid in the dispersal of the seeds by wind. The combined visual of the fruit and pappus may resemble a miniature, fluffy cotton ball. The fruit's size and shape can contribute to its identification among plant enthusiasts.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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