Balsam Ragwort
(Packera paupercula)
Balsam Ragwort (Packera paupercula)
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Joshua Mayer
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Joshua Mayer
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Joshua Mayer | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: wackybadger | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Packera paupercula, commonly known as balsam ragwort or balsam groundsel, is a perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including moist meadows, wetland margins, open woodlands, and forest clearings across North America. It is widespread in Canada and much of the United States. This species typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and features clusters of small, yellow, daisy-like flowers atop slender stems from April to August, depending on the latitude. The flowers are modest but can add a splash of color to naturalized areas.
Balsam ragwort is valued for its early bloom time and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is often used in wildflower gardens, meadow plantings, and as part of ecological restoration projects. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist soil with good drainage. While it is adaptable to various soil types, it does not tolerate drought well. Balsam ragwort can spread by seed and may become aggressive in some conditions, so gardeners should monitor its growth to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Balsam ragwort is valued for its early bloom time and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is often used in wildflower gardens, meadow plantings, and as part of ecological restoration projects. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist soil with good drainage. While it is adaptable to various soil types, it does not tolerate drought well. Balsam ragwort can spread by seed and may become aggressive in some conditions, so gardeners should monitor its growth to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.167-0.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Moist meadows, wetland margins, open woodlands, and forest clearings
Other Names
Common Names: Balsam Ragwort, Séneçon Appauvri
Scientific Names: , Packera paupercula, Senecio pauperculus, Senecio pauperculus var. pauperculus, Packera paupercula var. paupercula, Senecio gaspensis, Senecio flavovirens, Senecio multnomensis, Senecio balsamitae var. praelongus, Senecio pauperculus var. thomsoniensis
GBIF Accepted Name: Packera paupercula (Michx.) Á.Löve & D.Löve