Wilson's Golden Groundsel
ligularia wilsoniana
Also known as: ["Wilson's Leopard Plant","Wilson's Ligularia"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial with large, rounded, dark green leaves and tall spikes of bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Ligularia |
| Botanical Name: | Ligularia wilsoniana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shaded garden bed with protection from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days in dry conditions
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive; avoid heavy clay or sandy soils.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy, organic soil with good moisture retention.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season; remove spent flower stalks after blooming.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary for division or rejuvenation.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 3–4 hours of morning sun or dappled light; protect from hot afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from indoors to outdoors; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch; place in a sheltered spot with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Morning sun is best; avoid harsh afternoon rays; provide shade during peak summer.
Watering
every 5–7 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; ensure soil doesn't dry out completely; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
moist, rich, humusy soil with good drainage
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; use mulch to retain moisture; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); prefers cooler conditions, especially at night.
Keep away from drafty areas; maintain consistent temperatures; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing in late summer.
Propagation
Methods
Division or root cuttings; division is the most reliable method.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with roots.
- Replant immediately.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Best Time: Early spring before new growth begins; or late summer after flowering.
Environment
Cool, humid conditions; partial shade; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Rich, moist, well-draining soil; can use a mix of peat and perlite.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; optional for root cuttings.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; root cuttings: 4–8 weeks for roots to develop.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, gloves, trowel, clean containers.
Quick Tips
Divide only when the plant is dormant or just starting growth; ensure each division has healthy roots and shoots.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off dead or yellowing leaves at the base; cut back flower stalks after flowering.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance; encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, clean scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged parts; avoid cutting healthy growth unnecessarily.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it’s not too large to prevent waterlogging.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; check for root rot; ensure pot has drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water when top inch feels dry; ensure pot has drainage holes.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base, avoiding foliage; ensure even moisture distribution; allow excess water to drain fully.
Watering Schedule Tips
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during active growth (spring/summer); reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or peat moss for moisture retention; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; ensure organic matter is well-decomposed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf yellowing, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Leaves may become brittle or discolored; growth slows or halts; risk of frost damage in freezing conditions.
Solution: Protect from frost with a frost cloth; move indoors if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C); ensure good air circulation to prevent mold.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow; increased water demand.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid over-fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest Ligularia wilsoniana may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation. The plant's compounds can cause discomfort but are not typically severe.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Ligularia wilsoniana by dogs may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of irritant compounds. The effects are generally not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicLigularia wilsoniana contains irritant compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. The plant's physiological impact is primarily localized to the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much sunlight does Ligularia wilsoniana need?
A: It prefers partial shade to full shade and thrives in moist, shaded conditions.
Q: Is Ligularia wilsoniana deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant due to its large leaves and preference for shaded areas.
Q: How often should I water Ligularia wilsoniana?
A: It requires consistently moist soil; water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil does not dry out.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 5–7 days during active |
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