Doronicum orientale, the leopard's bane, is a European plant species in the family Asteraceae.
Doronicum orientale is a perennial herb that has daisy-like yellow flower heads on long, straight stems, which attract nectar-eating insects. The plants grow to approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall. The basal foliage is bright green with cordate leaves that have scalloped margins. Its native habitats include moist, rocky outcrops and woodland areas.[2]
The specific epithet "orientale," means "eastern" and is in reference to its native range of eastern Europe,[2] not eastern Asia.
It is native to southeastern Europe (Italy, Greece, the Balkans, Hungary, Moldova, Ukraine, southern European Russia)[3][4] and parts of southwest Asia (Turkey, South Caucasus).[5][6]
Doronicum orientale is widely cultivated as an ornamental.[7] There are a few reports of the species having escaped cultivation and been found growing wild in parts of Canada, but the plant apparently failed to become established there.[8] D. orientale is a hardy (to zone 3) perennial, blooming in early spring. It likes both shade and sun and is easily grown in moist, fertile soil. The plant attracts butterflies.[2] Cultivars include 'Little Leo', which is semi-double.
All parts of this plant are poisonous to humans.[9]
Media related to Doronicum orientale at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Doronicum orientale at Wikispecies
Emerging flower buds Doronicum orientale, the leopard's bane, is a European plant species in the family Asteraceae.
