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Description
Doronicum Orientale, commonly known as oriental leopard’s bane, is a perennial plant native to Europe and Asia. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers in early spring. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and has basal leaves that are green and heart-shaped with toothed margins. The plant is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever and headache.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Doronicum |
Appearance
The oriental leopard’s bane has a bushy growth habit and produces bright yellow flowers with a dark center. The flowers are about 2 inches in diameter and bloom in early spring. The basal leaves are green and heart-shaped with toothed margins. The stem leaves are alternate and smaller than the basal leaves. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Care Guide
Water: The oriental leopard’s bane prefers moist soil, so water it regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in early spring before the flowers bloom.
Soil: The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5.
Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The oriental leopard’s bane is susceptible to powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. It may also be attacked by snails and slugs. To prevent these issues, make sure the plant is grown in well-drained soil and remove any infected leaves or plant parts immediately.
Habitat
The oriental leopard’s bane is native to Europe and Asia and can be found growing in meadows, along streams, and in woodland areas. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the oriental leopard’s bane toxic to pets?
A: Yes, the plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Q: Can the oriental leopard’s bane be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers, but it prefers to be planted directly in the ground.
Q: Does the oriental leopard’s bane attract bees?
A: Yes, the plant attracts bees and other pollinators.
Q: How often should I fertilize the oriental leopard’s bane?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in early spring before the flowers bloom.
Related Plants
- Doronicum caucasicum
- Doronicum columnae
- Doronicum grandiflorum
- Doronicum krylovii
References
- “Doronicum Orientale.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=n320.
- “Oriental Leopard’s Bane: Doronicum Orientale.” The Spruce, 18 Nov. 2020, www.thespruce.com/oriental-leopards-bane-doronicum-orientale-4126594.
- “Doronicum Orientale.” Plant Care Today, 11 June 2021, plantcaretoday.com/doronicum-orientale.html.
