Golden Groundsel - Life Root, Golden ragwort
Packera aurea

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Packera aurea is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Height (m): 0.8

Where it is found

Rich calcareous woods and bottoms and upland swamps. Damp thickets and prairies.

Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Florida, west to Texas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

Golden groundsel is a medicinal plant that is deserving of greater attention. This species was widely used by N. American Indians to treat various complaints of the female reproductive system, and also to ease childbirth. Whilst often stated to be completely safe to use, recent research has found that the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that, in isolation, can cause liver damage and so this remedy can no longer be recommended for internal use. The roots and leaves are abortifacient, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, pectoral, stimulant and uterine tonic. It is used externally in the treatment of vaginal discharge. A tea made from the plant was frequently used by the N. American Indians as a remedy for various female troubles, including the pain of childbirth. Pharmacologists have not reported any uterine effects, but the plant does contain an essential oil (inuline) plus the alkaloids senecine and senecionine (which are poisonous to grazing animals). The plant is harvested before flowering and the roots are harvested in the autumn, both are dried for later use.

Abortifacient: Causes an abortion.

Birthing aid: Used in facilitating birth, but not just to cause uterine contrctions.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.

Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.

Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Uterine tonic: A tonic for the uterus. See also oxytoxic.

Other

Rating: 0

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in a sunny position in most moderately fertile well-drained soils. Prefers a damp to wet soil and also succeeds in partial shade. Succeeds in the wild garden though it is invasive. This species is cultivated in parts of Russia for use in the pharmaceutical industry. A polymorphic species, there are many named varieties. Senecio aureus L. is a synonym of Packera aurea (L.) Á.Löve & D.Löve For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread. The root pattern is rhizomatous with underground stems sending roots and shoots along their length.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Root cuttings in early spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Possible liver damage due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Toxic if taken internally (legally restricted in some countries) .

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cacalia aurea. Cineraria balsamita. Senecio aureus. Senecio gracilis