Contents
Description
Senecio Doronicum, also known as Ragwort or Leopard Plant, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Caucasus region and can grow up to three feet tall. The plant produces a clump of basal leaves and yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom from July to September.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Senecio |
Appearance
Senecio Doronicum has large, ovate to heart-shaped leaves that are hairy and toothed. The leaves can grow up to eight inches long and four inches wide. The plant’s stems are erect and branched, and they are also covered in hair. The flowers are bright yellow, daisy-like, and have a diameter of up to two inches. The center of the flower is brownish-red. The plant produces seeds that are small and black with white tufts.
Care Guide
Senecio Doronicum is relatively low maintenance and easy to care for. Here are some tips to ensure that your plant thrives:- Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant once a week. In winter, reduce watering.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant twice a year, once in spring and once in summer, with an all-purpose fertilizer.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH of 6.5 to 7.5 is ideal.- Sunlight: Senecio Doronicum thrives in full sun to partial shade. Provide at least four hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Senecio Doronicum is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can still fall prey to some common issues. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that affect this plant:- Aphids: These small insects suck on the plant’s sap, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.- Spider mites: These tiny mites feed on the plant’s sap, causing yellowing and webbing on the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a powdery white coating on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and use fungicide to control the disease.
Habitat
Senecio Doronicum is native to the Caucasus region and can be found growing in meadows, forests, and rocky slopes. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Senecio Doronicum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, the plant is toxic to pets and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues if ingested.
Q: Can Senecio Doronicum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the containers are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should I fertilize Senecio Doronicum?
A: Fertilize the plant twice a year, once in spring and once in summer, with an all-purpose fertilizer.
Q: Does Senecio Doronicum attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant’s bright yellow flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Senecio Doronicum:- Senecio cineraria: Dusty Miller- Senecio vulgaris: Common Groundsel- Senecio jacobaea: Ragwort
References
– “Senecio doronicum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=261468- “Senecio doronicum.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/4448/Senecio-doronicum/Details- “Senecio doronicum.” Plant Care Today. https://plantcaretoday.com/senecio-doronicum.html
