Leopard Plant Ligularia stenocephala
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Leopard Plant:
Previously known as:
- Senecio stenocephala
- Phonetic Spelling
- lig-yoo-LAIR-ee-ah sten-oh-SEF-ah-lah
- Description
-
Ligularia is an upright, flowering, herbaceous perennial in the aster family, native to Asia and grown for its imposing spires of bright yellow flowers. The plant has a basal rosette of stem leaves that diminish in size as they go up the 40 inch stems. Daisy-like yellow flowers blossom on long spikes. The genus name comes from the Latin word ligula meaning strap in reference to the shape of the ray flowers.
Ligularia will not tolerate hot midday sun, causing the leaves wilt. The plant prefers partial shade or afternoon shade and moist, rich soil. It will tolerate other soil types, including clay.
In its native habitat, Ligularia is often found on rocky cliffs near sea shores, streamside meadows, and forests in China.
Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:
Slugs and snails can damage the foliage. Leaf wilting occurs in hot summer climates, or when the plant is exposed to too much sun.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'The Rocket'
Compact, 18 to 24 inch spires of lemon yellow.
- 'The Rocket'
- 'The Rocket'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'The Rocket'
Compact, 18 to 24 inch spires of lemon yellow.
- 'The Rocket'
- 'The Rocket'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Ligularia
- Species:
- stenocephala
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- China to Temperate East Asia
- Distribution:
- Britain and Sweden.
- Wildlife Value:
- Attracts butterflies.
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-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Perennial
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Wet
- NC Region:
- Mountains
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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-
Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
- Fruit Description:
- Cylindrical, usually hairless achenes.
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-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Spike
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Good Cut
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Description:
- Daisy-like, yellow to orange flowers held on narrow spikes, on long cone-shaped spikes or in flat-topped clusters. Blossoms from late summer to early fall.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Margin:
- Dentate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Basal rosette of large kidney-shaped, heart-shaped or triangular, often toothed leaves that decrease in size and number as they go up the stem.
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-
Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Stems are slender and grow up to 40 inches long.
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-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Asian Garden
- Rain Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Foundation Planting
- Mass Planting
