Roundleaf ragwort
Packera obovata

Family: Compositae

What it is like

Note: Senecio obovatus Muhl. ex Willd. is a synonym of Packera obovata (Muhl. ex Willd.) W.A.Weber & Á.Löve

Packera obovata is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Moist but well-drained calcareous soils, wooded slopes, and rocky areas in shaded or semi-shaded locations.

Native range: northern Mexico, the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, extending from Coahuila to Quebec and Ontario.

Conservation Status: Not Listed.

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

An effective, evergreen ground cover. Erosion control. Invertebrates shelter: beneficial for insects and other arthropods. Nectary: provides nectar or pollen for beneficial insects. Valued for its ability to thrive in shady locations, naturalize rapidly and produce a long and profuse spring bloom of bright yellow flowers. Suitable locations include wild gardens, cottage gardens, native plant gardens (US), borders, or along streams/ponds.

How it is grown

Moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Blooms well in shady locations. Tolerates some soil dryness. Bloom Notes: Blooms February to April in southerly regions, April to June in the north. Bloom Description: Yellow. Naturalize rapidly and produce a long and profuse spring bloom of bright yellow flowers. Like many species of ragwort, the plant is toxic to many herbivorous mammals, but sheep seem more tolerant of it than are most other grazing animals. 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 stoloniferous rooting from creeping stems above the ground.

Propagating it: Seed will germinate within 4 weeks if sown at 20°C/70°F. Seed requires light to germinate. Root division during winter dormancy.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-8

Growth: Fast

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

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Like many species of ragwort, the plant is toxic to many herbivorous mammals, but sheep seem more tolerant than other grazing animals.

Its other names

Local names

Round-leaved ragwort, Golden Groundsel, Roundleaf Groundsel, Roundleaf Ragwort, Squawweed

Synonyms

Senecio aureus var. obovatus (Muhl. ex Willd.) Torr. & A.Gray. Senecio elliottii Torr. & A.Gray. Senecio elongatus Pursh. Senecio obovatus Muhl. ex Willd. Senecio obovatus var. elliottii (Torr. & A.Gray) Fernald. Senecio obovatus f. obovatus. Senecio obovatus var. obovatus. Senecio obovatus var. rotundus Britton. Senecio rotundus (Britton) Small