Packera paupercula explained

Packera paupercula is a flowering plant species of the genus Packera and family Asteraceae, native to North America, where it is widespread across Canada and much of the United States. Its common names include balsam ragwort and balsam groundsel. It is a perennial herb that grows NaNfeet tall.^[1] Its habitats include wet meadows, open woodlands, and rocky outcrops.^[2]

It flowers as early as April in the southern part of its range, and as late as August in the northern part of its range.

Taxonomy

Packera paupercula taxonomically complex, with varying amounts of infraspecific taxa recognized by different authorities. No single classification to date has received wide acceptance. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew currently recognizes the following varieties:

• P. paupercula var. appalachiana - Restricted to the Appalachian Mountains
• P. paupercula var. paupercula - Widespread from Newfoundland to Alaska, south through the Rocky Mountains and Appalachians
• P. paupercula var. pseudotomentosa - Native to the Midwest, Upper South, and Ontario
• P. paupercula var. savannarum - Restricted to the upper Midwest

Notes and References

1. Web site: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin . 2022-07-17 . www.wildflower.org.
2. Web site: Packera paupercula in Flora of North America @ efloras.org . 2022-07-17 . www.efloras.org.