Packera obovata (Golden Groundsel)

Packera obovata, previously referred to as Senecio obovata, and commonly known as golden groundsel is a somewhat weedy, upright perennial wildflower similar to its close relative Packera aurea. Golden groundsel typically grows to 12-20" tall from a basal rosette of oval-shaped leaves; known more for its flowers than its foliage, golden groundsel produces small spikes of sunny yellow, star-shaped flowers from mid to late spring. Although it is a mid-spring bloomer, both golden ragwort and golden groundsel are prized for their early season green growth and their ability to thrive in moist shady locations, naturalize and spread rapidly, choke out weeds. In addition to all these great traits, Packera obovata also has better full sun and dry soil tolerance than Packera aurea, making it even more versatile in the home garden!

Regarded as an excellent native groundcover plant, Packera obovata can easily outcompete weedy plants in its vicinity and rewards gardens with nectar and pollen availability to a variety of early season pollinators. Although golden groundsel prefers partial shade, it is versatile and hardy enough for a variety of locations around the home and the plant's happy yellow flowers attract a variety of songbirds, who prize it for its seeds.