Mountain Dandelion, Orange agoseris
Agoseris aurantiaca

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Agoseris aurantiaca is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Meadows and woods from moderate to high elevations.

Western N. America from Canada to California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves - cooked as a spinach. The root juice has been used as a chewing gum.

Gum: can be chewed as a chewing gum or can often be used as a sweetener or thickening agent in foods.

Medicine

Rating: 1

A cold infusion of the plant is used as a lotion for treating wounds. The wet leaves were rubbed onto swollen arms, wrists or ankles.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating:

Gum: Gums have a wide range of uses, especially as stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickening agents, adhesives etc.

How it is grown

Prefers full sun and a sandy loam low in nutrients.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 6 weeks at 15°c. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer or late in the following spring. Division with care in spring. The plants do not like a lot of root disturbance so it is best to pot up the divisions and keep them in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are established.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Macrorhynchus troximoides. Troxicum aurantiacum.