Doronicum columnae, commonly known as Leopard’s Bane, is a perennial herb native to the mountainous regions Europe, where it thrives in alpine meadows, woodlands, and grassy slopes. It is often found in calcareous soils and areas with cool, moist conditions. Doronicum columnae typically grows to about 2 feet (60 cm) tall and features bright green, heart-shaped basal leaves with scalloped margins. The plant is known for its daisy-like yellow flower heads, which bloom on long, straight stems in late spring to early summer and are highly attractive to nectar-feeding insects.

Leopard’s Bane is valued for its early-season flowers, which can brighten up the garden when few other plants are in bloom. It is a popular choice for woodland gardens, borders, and cottage gardens due to its ease of maintenance and ability to naturalize in favorable conditions. While it prefers full sun to part shade, it is adaptable to various light conditions and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. It is important to avoid overly dry conditions, as the plant thrives in moist soil. Leopard’s Bane can be susceptible to slug damage and may suffer from powdery mildew in hot, dry climates. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range, but gardeners should monitor its spread, as it can self-seed under ideal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0