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Smallanthus uvedalia

Previously known as:

  • Polymnia uvedalia
Description

Bear's foot is a native herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae (daisy) family that can be found in all areas of NC. It is native to eastern and central USA although it is becoming rare in some states. It can be found growing at woodland edges, meadows, along streams, and open woods. The large lobed leaves cup the stem giving it the common name of hairy leafcup and the shape of the leaf gives it the name of bear's foot.

In mid-summer into early fall, it produces many yellow flower heads that attract several types of pollinators.

This plant is adaptable to different well-drained soil types in sun to partial shade. As it can reach 3-8 feet tall, use it in the back of the border, along a fence or naturalized in a woodland or meadow setting. It is easy to grow, doesn't spread aggressively and is adaptable.  Due to the height and hollow stems, staking may be helpful to prevent the stems from bending in strong winds. Do not cut the plant down for winter as native bees will over-winter in the hollow stems.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#yellow flowers#native perennials#showy leaves#large leaves#low maintenance#fast growing#NC native#herbaceous perennial#tall#naturalized area#NC Native Pollinator Plant#border back#bird friendly#butterfly friendly#nectar plant midsummer#partial shade tolerant#bee friendly#coastal plant#meadow
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#yellow flowers#native perennials#showy leaves#large leaves#low maintenance#fast growing#NC native#herbaceous perennial#tall#naturalized area#NC Native Pollinator Plant#border back#bird friendly#butterfly friendly#nectar plant midsummer#partial shade tolerant#bee friendly#coastal plant#meadow
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Smallanthus
    Species:
    uvedalia
    Family:
    Asteraceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Used in herbal medicine to make tinctures to treat inflammation, rheumatism, and skin sores.
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Central and southeastern U.S.A., Mexico
    Distribution:
    AL , AR , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MD , MI , MO , MS , NC , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , WV
    Wildlife Value:
    Attracts many pollinators and several birds will eat the seeds. Bees make winter nests in the hollow stems.
    Play Value:
    Attracts Pollinators
    Wildlife Cover/Habitat
    Wildlife Food Source
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    Wildflower
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Type:
    Achene
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Reddish-brown oval to round ribbed achene
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Head
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Radial
    Flower Petals:
    7 - 20 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Yellow flower heads are in clusters. Each flower head has 7-13 yellow ray flowers and 40-80 tubular staminate yellow disc flowers. Blooms June through Sept.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Rough
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Sheath
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Deltoid
    Ovate
    Palmatifid
    Leaf Margin:
    Lobed
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Triangular or ovate opposite leaves form a small cup around the long stems, hence the name Leafcup. The leaves are palmately lobed, green, lighter below with fine hairs scattered on both leaf surfaces. Leaves are 4 to 12 in long and wide with a prominent midrib, toothed and gland-dotted.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Angular
    Stem Form:
    Straight
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    Green ribbed stems are hollow and may be mottled with purple. May or may not have hairs
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Coastal
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought