Packera aurea, also known as Golden Ragwort, is an Arkansas-native rhizomatous perennial commonly found in moist woodlands, meadows, stream banks, and floodplains across the state. Its spreading growth habit makes it an excellent choice for stabilizing soils in restoration and naturalized landscapes.
In early spring, golden ragwort produces flat-topped clusters of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers atop sparsely leafed stems. The blooms are an important early-season nectar source for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Flowering stems typically reach 1–2 feet tall and emerge from basal clumps of dark green, heart-shaped leaves that are toothed and often tinged purple on the underside.
The finely lobed stem leaves are distinctive, and the foliage serves as one of the few larval host plants for the northern metalmark butterfly, adding significant wildlife value. With its tolerance for moist soils and early bloom period, Packera aurea is well-suited to riparian restoration, pollinator gardens, and woodland edge plantings throughout Arkansas. This species is also known botanically as Senecio aureus.
Common Name: Golden Ragwort
Type: Perennial
Zone: 3 to 8
Height: 0.50 to 2.50 feet
Spread: 0.50 to 1.50 feet
Bloom Time: April
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium to wet
Packera aurea, also known as Golden Ragwort, is an Arkansas-native rhizomatous perennial commonly found in moist woodlands, meadows, stream banks, and floodplains across the state. Its spreading growth habit makes it an excellent choice for stabilizing soils in restoration and naturalized landscapes.
In early spring, golden ragwort produces flat-topped clusters of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers atop sparsely leafed stems. The blooms are an important early-season nectar source for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Flowering stems typically reach 1–2 feet tall and emerge from basal clumps of dark green, heart-shaped leaves that are toothed and often tinged purple on the underside.
The finely lobed stem leaves are distinctive, and the foliage serves as one of the few larval host plants for the northern metalmark butterfly, adding significant wildlife value. With its tolerance for moist soils and early bloom period, Packera aurea is well-suited to riparian restoration, pollinator gardens, and woodland edge plantings throughout Arkansas. This species is also known botanically as Senecio aureus.
Common Name: Golden Ragwort
Type: Perennial
Zone: 3 to 8
Height: 0.50 to 2.50 feet
Spread: 0.50 to 1.50 feet
Bloom Time: April
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium to wet