Summer Ragwort
(Ligularia dentata)
Summer Ragwort (Ligularia dentata)
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Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Nova | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Ligularia_dentata_Języczka_pomarańczowa_2020-08-07_03.jpg | Notes: Uploaded a work by Archives New Zealand from https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE24561946 with UploadWizard |











































Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ligularia dentata, commonly known as summer ragwort or leopard plant, is a robust herbaceous perennial native to moist meadows and stream banks in China and Japan. It typically grows to 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft) tall and 1 m (3 ft) wide. The plant features large, leathery, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges and a cordate base, which contribute to its bold foliage. The orange-yellow daisy-like composite flowers, which are quite showy, bloom on thick red, mostly leafless stalks that rise above the foliage in early summer, adding a splash of color to garden settings.
Ligularia dentata is valued for its striking foliage and bright flowers, which can bring a tropical feel to temperate gardens. It is often used as an accent plant or in mass plantings in moist, shaded garden areas, and can also be grown in containers. The plant thrives in part shade to full shade and requires consistently moist soil, making it suitable for planting near water features or in bog gardens. It is also used in borders and woodland gardens. Popular cultivars include ’Desdemona’ with bronze-tinted foliage and ’Othello’ with darker leaves. Variegated forms with cream-colored spots are also available. While generally easy to maintain, Ligularia dentata can suffer from slug damage and requires protection from strong winds. It is not known to be invasive but should be monitored to prevent excessive self-seeding in optimal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Ligularia dentata is valued for its striking foliage and bright flowers, which can bring a tropical feel to temperate gardens. It is often used as an accent plant or in mass plantings in moist, shaded garden areas, and can also be grown in containers. The plant thrives in part shade to full shade and requires consistently moist soil, making it suitable for planting near water features or in bog gardens. It is also used in borders and woodland gardens. Popular cultivars include ’Desdemona’ with bronze-tinted foliage and ’Othello’ with darker leaves. Variegated forms with cream-colored spots are also available. While generally easy to maintain, Ligularia dentata can suffer from slug damage and requires protection from strong winds. It is not known to be invasive but should be monitored to prevent excessive self-seeding in optimal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 3-4 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Orange, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Showy Flowers, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Moist meadows and stream banks in China and Japan
Other Names
Common Names: Summer Ragwort, Leopardplant, Nøkketunge, Stern-Ligularie, Kallionauhus, Stor Nøkketunge, Stor Nykketunge, Klippstånds, Ligularia
Scientific Names: , Ligularia dentata,
GBIF Accepted Name: Ligularia dentata (A.Gray) Hara