One-flowered Ragwort

jacobaea uniflora

Also known as: ["One-flowered Senecio","Single-flowered Ragwort"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Jacobaea Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant native to mountainous regions of Europe, characterized by its single flower head and toxic properties.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Jacobaea
Botanical Name: Jacobaea uniflora

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or raised beds with good drainage
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to maintain shape and health.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from direct midday sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid sudden light changes.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-drained, sandy loam with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–70°F or 15–21°C); tolerates cooler nights.

Avoid placing near heat sources; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from frost.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter

Apply fertilizer after watering; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting.
  2. Apply rooting hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Rooting hormone can be used to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node; thin out crowded areas.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or leggy growth to encourage bushier form; shape as needed for aesthetics.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider) than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil refresh.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; trim roots; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with coarse materials.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold; yellowing leaves in stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold.

Solution: Protect from drafts; provide a warm microclimate; avoid sudden temperature drops.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse pot periodically.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Jacobaea uniflora may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Jacobaea uniflora can result from water stress, either due to drought or root damage, impairing the plant's ability to maintain turgor pressure and leading to cellular damage.

Leaf spots on Jacobaea uniflora are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in necrotic lesions that can reduce photosynthetic area and weaken the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Jacobaea uniflora is often caused by excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential death of the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Jacobaea uniflora is toxic to cats due to its pyrrolizidine alkaloid content, which can cause significant liver damage and failure. Cats are particularly sensitive to these compounds.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting anorexia lethargy jaundice hepatic encephalopathy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. Immediate veterinary care is required if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Toxic

The pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Jacobaea uniflora are toxic to dogs, causing liver damage and potential failure. Chronic exposure can lead to severe health complications.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy jaundice weight loss
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants out of reach of dogs. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Jacobaea uniflora contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic and can cause severe liver damage upon ingestion. These compounds accumulate in the liver over time, leading to chronic liver disease and potential failure.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain jaundice liver damage
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion. Do not use in herbal remedies or teas. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Jacobaea uniflora toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Where is Jacobaea uniflora typically found?

A: It is native to mountainous regions of Europe.

Q: Does Jacobaea uniflora attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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