Plant DetailShow Menu

Ligularia Ligularia stenocephala

Other Common Name(s):

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'
Tags:
#evergreen#yellow flowers#colorful#upright form#herbaceous perennial#partial shade tolerant#perennial#long stem
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'The Rocket'
    Compact, 18 to 24 inch spires of lemon yellow.
'The Rocket'
Tags:
#evergreen#yellow flowers#colorful#upright form#herbaceous perennial#partial shade tolerant#perennial#long stem
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Perennial
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • 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
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Achene
    Fruit Description:
    Cylindrical, usually hairless achenes.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Stems are slender and grow up to 40 inches long.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Rain Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Mass Planting