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Overview
Ligularia dentata is ligularia (bigleaf ligularia), growing 36–60 inches (90–150 cm) tall and 36–48 inches (90–120 cm) wide. Large kidney-shaped to rounded coarsely toothed leaves 12–16 inches (30–40 cm) — dark green upper surface with purple-maroon undersides in the species type; cultivars 'Othello' and 'Britt-Marie Crawford' have dark purple-chocolate upper leaf surfaces. Orange-yellow daisy-like flowers 3–4 inches (7–10 cm) in loose corymbs on tall stems 36–48 inches (90–120 cm) in mid to late summer. In the daisy family (Asteraceae). The foliage wilts conspicuously in afternoon sun and heat — even when soil moisture is adequate — and recovers overnight. This temporary wilting is a species trait related to high transpiration rates from the large leaf surfaces, not a sign of water deficit. Planting in full shade eliminates the wilting. Requires consistently moist to wet soil — streambanks, pond margins, and boggy borders. Slug damage is the primary pest concern — the large soft leaves are consumed by slugs and snails in moist conditions. Basal slug barriers or iron phosphate bait reduce damage. Native to China and Japan. Non-toxic. Zones 4–8. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to China and Japan, growing in moist mountain meadows, streambanks, and forest margins.Suggested Uses
Grown at streambanks, pond margins, and boggy borders in zones 4–8. Full shade eliminates the afternoon wilt. 'Britt-Marie Crawford' and 'Othello' for dark purple leaf surfaces. Slug management required. Companion to Gunnera, Rodgersia, and Astilbe at water features. Non-toxic.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Mid to late summer (July–August), lasting 3–4 weeks. Orange-yellow daisy-like flowers 3–4 inches (7–10 cm) in loose corymbs on tall stems. The large foliage — not the flowers — is the primary season-long feature.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Orange-yellow, daisy-like, 3-4 inches (7-10 cm), in loose corymbs on tall stemsFoliage Description
Dark green upper surface, purple-maroon underside; large kidney-shaped to rounded, coarsely toothed, 12-16 inches (30-40 cm); 'Britt-Marie Crawford' and 'Othello' have dark purple-chocolate upper surfacesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Partial shade to full shade — full shade eliminates the afternoon wilting. Consistently moist to wet soil required. Slug damage is the primary pest problem (iron phosphate bait). The temporary afternoon wilt is a species trait, not a water deficit sign. Non-toxic. Zones 4–8.Pruning
Remove spent flower stems at the base after bloom. Cut dead foliage to the ground in late autumn or early spring. No division needed unless the clump is congested — divide in early spring.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring