The profusion of yellow, daisy-like flowers of this herbaceous perennial are welcome in spring and can brighten a shady spot in the garden while it sparks the imagination of little ones who may be intrigued by the common name, leopard’s bane. Legend suggests that arrows were dipped in the sap of one species when hunting for leopards (but this is a misnomer because the sap is not toxic to leopards). The flowerheads are one to two inches across and carried singly above a clump of bright green, triangular or heart-shaped leaves in early spring. Plants are attractive in woodlands, shady areas, pots, and rock gardens. The flowers are good in the vase. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Cultivars are available that differ in height, flower size, and color.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Size: 1-2’ H x 1’ W
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Early spring
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Humusy, consistently moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 4-7 (intolerant of heat and humidity)
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Karen Meyers