Doronicum orientale explained

Doronicum orientale, the leopard's bane, is a European plant species in the family Asteraceae.

Description

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.^[1]

Etymology

The specific epithet "orientale," means "eastern" and is in reference to its native range of eastern Europe, not eastern Asia.

Distribution

It is native to southeastern Europe (Italy, Greece, the Balkans, Hungary, Moldova, Ukraine, southern European Russia)^{[2] [3]} and parts of southwest Asia (Turkey, South Caucasus).^{[4] [5]}

Cultivation

Doronicum orientale is widely cultivated as an ornamental.^[6] 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.^[7] 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. Cultivars include 'Little Leo', which is semi-double.

Toxicity

All parts of this plant are poisonous to humans.^[8]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Doronicum orientale 'Leonardo Compact' - Plant Finder. 2021-11-08. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org.
2. http://luirig.altervista.org/flora/taxa/index1.php?scientific-name=doronicum+orientale Altervista Flora Italiana, Doronico orientale, Kaukasus-Gämswurz, gemsrot, Doronicum orientale Hoffm.
3. http://www.plantarium.ru/page/view/item/13450.html Plantarium, Doronicum orientale Hoffm. Описание таксона, Русскоязычные названия, Дороникум восточный
4. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/6026/Doronicum-orientale/Details?returnurl=%2Fplants%2Fsearch-results%3Fform-mode%3Dfalse%26query%3Ddoronicum%26aliaspath%3D%252fplants%252fsearch-results Royal Horticultural Society, Doronicum orientale, Caucasian leopard's bane
5. 25649168 . 10.1080/14786419.2015.1005618 . 29 . 24 . Antioxidant activity of some Turkish medicinal plants . 2015 . Nat Prod Res . 2308–12 . Karadeniz A, Çinbilgel I, Gün SŞ, Çetin A. 42327987 .
6. http://www.luontoportti.com/suomi/en/kukkakasvit/leopards-bane Naturegate, Leopard's Bane, Doronicum orientale
7. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250066486 Flora of North America, Oriental leopard’s-bane, Doronicum orientale Hoffmann, Commentat. Soc. Phys.-Med. Univ. Lit. Caes. Mosq. 1: 8. 1808.
8. Book: Pink, A. . Gardening for the Million. 2004 . Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.