Butterweed (Packera glabella)

Butterweed

Also known as: Yellowtop

Butterweed (Packera glabella) is a plant species native to the central and eastern United States. Packera glabella is commonly known as butterweed, cressleaf groundsel and yellowtop. It commonly grows in prairies and floodplains. This plant is toxic to humans.

Scientific classification

Species

Butterweed (Packera glabella)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Harvest Time

20 cm to 70 cm

Plant Height

30 cm to 90 cm

Spread

Green, Blue, Red

Leaf Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Butterweed

Attributes of Butterweed

Growth Rate

With a moderate growth rate, butterweed matures proficiently during Spring, focusing energy on increasing height and developing vibrant yellow flower heads. The height gain per season reflects the plant's moderate growth speed. Seasonal variations exist, although most prominent growth is witnessed in Spring.

Distribution of Butterweed

Distribution Map

Butterweed is native to, and found exclusively in, the central and southern United States. It grows in disturbed areas, floodplains, and prairies, particularly in areas where the soil contains a lot of clay or loam. It is considered an imperilled or vulnerable species. It is considered an invasive species in Ohio.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Clay and loam soils in disturbed areas and in prairie and floodplain habitats

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Name Story

Butterweed||Cressleaf groundsel: Butterweed is used to name this plant because of its conspicuous buttery yellow flowers. Its alternate common name, Cressleaf Groundsel comes from the leaves that resemble the appearance of watercress.

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Toxicity

Butterweed is toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. Consumption of its seeds, flowers, and leaves can cause serious health issues, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, liver and lung damage. Contact with butterweed can also lead to symptoms in cats such as physical discomfort. Immediate veterinary care is essential for pets that ingest this plant.

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Care Guide for Butterweed

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Butterweed thrives in moist environments and requires consistent hydration, preferring regular moisture. Water weekly to promote lush growth. While it benefits from natural rainfall, additional watering is necessary during dry spells to support its growing season needs.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, butterweed requires balanced nutrition fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Use high nitrogen fertilizers sparingly and adjust feeding based on seasonal changes. Over-fertilization can be detrimental, so always dilute fertilizers and water butterweed thoroughly post-application.

Pruning: Prune butterweed in early to late spring to manage legginess and promote bushiness. Remove dead stems and trim flower spikes post-bloom to encourage regrowth and reduce self-seeding. Proper pruning enhances air circulation and minimizes disease risk; use clean, sharp tools for best results.

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