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Golden ragwort

How to identify Golden ragwort (Packera aurea)

Golden ragwort, also known as Squaw weed

Golden ragwort displays bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with numerous slender ray florets surrounding a central disk. The blooms rise above heart-shaped basal leaves on slender stalks approximately 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm) tall. The foliage is often purplish on the lower side, with the upper leaves being smaller, lance-shaped, and sometimes clasping the stem. Golden ragwort flowers in late spring, contributing a splash of color to the understory of moist environments.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen, Evergreen

Quickly Identify Golden ragwort

1

Heart-shaped basal leaves with reddish purple undersides, measuring 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long.

2

Bright yellow daisy-like flowers, 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, forming flat corymb clusters.

3

Slender stems, unbranched or sparsely branched, up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall with a slightly shiny surface.

4

Upper lance-shaped leaves sometimes clasping the stem, smaller than basal leaves, contributing to a distinctive appearance.

5

Late spring blooming contributing a splash of color to moist environments, attracting birds with seeds.

Golden ragwortGolden ragwortGolden ragwortGolden ragwortGolden ragwort

Detailed Traits of Golden ragwort

Leaf Features

The leaves of golden ragwort are distinct with heart-shaped basal leaves that are bluntly toothed and slender-stalked, measuring 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long. These leaves are reddish purple underneath. The stem leaves are alternate, commonly lobed, or pinnately divided with toothed margins. The basal leaves often stay on the plant through mild winters, contributing to its ground cover appearance. This combination of features, including the unique hue beneath and distinctive lobing and toothed edges, adds to the plant's identification.

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Flower Features

Golden ragwort produces vibrant yellow flowers, sometimes found in rare white or purple variations. The heads are approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, organized in a flat-topped corymb. Resembling small sunflowers, each flower head features yellow petals surrounding a yellow disk, forming daisy-like clusters. These flowers typically bloom in the spring and early summer, offering an attractive display during their flowering period. Removing spent flowers or leaving seeds can benefit bird populations.

Golden ragwort Flower imageGolden ragwort Flower image
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Stem Features

The stem of golden ragwort showcases several long, thin structures reaching heights of up to 2 feet (60 cm). They possess a green to slightly reddish hue and a smooth texture. The stems are typically unbranched or sparsely branched, providing a slender appearance. The thickness averages around 0.08 inches (2 mm) at its base, tapering slightly towards the top. Distinctively, the stems often have a slightly shiny surface, contributing to their characteristic look.

Golden ragwort Stem image
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Key Facts About Golden ragwort

Attributes of Golden ragwort
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
Yellow
Fruit Color
Brown
Stem Color
Purple
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen, Evergreen
The Toxicity of Golden ragwort
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Scientific Classification of Golden ragwort

Family
Daisy
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Genus
Packera
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Species
Golden ragwort (Packera aurea)
Learn More About the Golden ragwort

Distribution Map of Golden ragwort

Golden ragwort is primarily native to North American eastern deciduous forests and wetlands. As a testament to its adaptability, golden ragwort has been introduced and thrives in parts of Europe. Correct cultivation techniques have allowed golden ragwort to expand beyond its native range, yet its main presence remains in its region of origin.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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