Doronicum orientale

Doronicum orientale, the leopard's bane, is a European plant species in the family Asteraceae.

Leopard's bane
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Doronicum
Species:
D. orientale
Binomial name
Doronicum orientale
Synonyms[1]
  • Arnica cordata Wulfen
  • Doronicum caucasicum M.Bieb.
Emerging flower buds

Description

Doronicum orientale is a perennial herb that has daisy-like yellow flower heads on long, straight stems, which attract nectar-eating insects. The plants grow to approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall. The basal foliage is bright green with cordate leaves that have scalloped margins. Its native habitats include moist, rocky outcrops and woodland areas.[2]

Etymology

The specific epithet "orientale," means "eastern" and is in reference to its native range of eastern Europe,[2] not eastern Asia.

Distribution

It is native to southeastern Europe (Italy, Greece, the Balkans, Hungary, Moldova, Ukraine, southern European Russia)[3][4] and parts of southwest Asia (Turkey, South Caucasus).[5][6]

Cultivation

Doronicum orientale is widely cultivated as an ornamental.[7] There are a few reports of the species having escaped cultivation and been found growing wild in parts of Canada, but the plant apparently failed to become established there.[8] D. orientale is a hardy (to zone 3) perennial, blooming in early spring. It likes both shade and sun and is easily grown in moist, fertile soil. The plant attracts butterflies.[2] Cultivars include 'Little Leo', which is semi-double.

Toxicity

All parts of this plant are poisonous to humans.[9]

References


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