Packera anonyma
Small's ragwort
Overview
Packera anonyma is a clump-forming perennial in the aster family that produces a basal rosette of leaves and erect flowering stems 12-28 inches (30-70 cm) tall. The basal leaves are elliptic to lance-shaped, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long, with finely toothed margins and tapering bases, while the stem leaves are smaller and pinnately lobed. In mid to late spring, branched flat-topped clusters carry 20 or more flower heads, each 0.5-0.75 inch (12-19 mm) across with 8-13 yellow ray florets around a yellow disc. The basal foliage often persists through winter as a low rosette in milder areas. After flowering, heads produce small seeds with white pappus that disperse on the wind, and plants spread by short rhizomes to form loose colonies. All parts contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are toxic to livestock and to humans if eaten, causing cumulative liver injury. The species grows in old fields, roadsides, thin woodlands, and pine flatwoods on dry to moderately moist soils. It tolerates poor, sandy ground and seasonal dryness once established. Because it self-seeds freely and creeps by rhizomes, it can move beyond its intended area in cultivated beds.
Native Range
Native to the southeastern United States, from Pennsylvania and Ohio south to Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, centered on the Appalachian region.Suggested Uses
Used in native meadow plantings, woodland edges, and pollinator gardens in the Southeast, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. Its spring flowers draw native bees, small butterflies, and other early-season insects.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'4"
Width/Spread8" - 1'
Bloom Information
Blooms from April through June, peaking in May across most of its range. Flat-topped clusters stay in color for about three weeks before forming wind-borne seed.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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