Family: Asteraceae
Author: Ten.
Bibliography: Fl. Napol. 1: 49 (1811)
Year: 1811
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Doronicum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe
Description
Eastern leopard’s-bane, scientifically known as Doronicum columnae, is a captivating perennial herb that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This plant is native to regions in Europe and stands out prominently in various landscapes due to its distinctive characteristics.
Doronicum columnae features bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that typically bloom from late spring to early summer, adding a splash of vibrant color to gardens and natural settings. The flowers, which are central to its visual appeal, are borne on tall, slender stems that can rise to heights of up to 2 feet. The radiant yellow petals encircle a central disc that is of a slightly deeper shade, creating a strikingly attractive floral display.
The foliage of the Eastern leopard’s-bane is also noteworthy. The leaves are heart-shaped, serrated, and have a coarse texture that complements the smooth, delicate appearance of the flowers. The basal leaves form a dense rosette at the base of the plant, while the stem leaves are alternately arranged and progressively smaller as they ascend the stems.
Adapted to a variety of conditions, Doronicum columnae thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It performs well in both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile choice for a range of garden settings. When planted in the right conditions, it can spread slowly by rhizomes, forming an attractive ground cover over time.
Given its European origins, Doronicum columnae is hardy and can endure the challenges presented by different climates across the continent. This resilience, coupled with its ornamental beauty, has made it a favored choice among gardeners and landscapers. Additionally, it attracts a range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thereby contributing to the ecological health of the area where it is planted.
The historical context of Doronicum columnae as recorded in “Flora Napolitana” by Tenore in 1811, highlights its enduring presence and significance in botanical literature and studies. Over the centuries, this plant has not only been admired for its aesthetic qualities but also studied for its ecological roles and adaptations.
In summary, the Eastern leopard’s-bane (Doronicum columnae) is a robust and lovely perennial that brings a touch of early summer brilliance to gardens and natural habitats. Its radiant yellow blooms, heartily textured foliage, and adaptability to varied growing conditions make it a plant of choice for enhancing biodiversity and visual appeal in cultivated and wild European landscapes.
Common Names
Eng: eastern leopard’s-bane
Deu: herzblättrige gemswurz, herzblättrige gämswurz
Dan: tue-gemserod
Ces: kamzi
Nld: kale voorjaarszonnebloem
Swe: balkangemsrot
Cym: llysiau’r-llewpart dwyreiniol
En: Eastern Leopard’s-bane
Cs: Kamzi
Da: Tue-gemserod
Nl: Kale voorjaarszonnebloem
Fi: Pikkuvuohenjuuri
De: Herzblättrige Gemswurz, Herzblättrige Gämswurz
It: Doronico di Colonna
Sv: Balkangemsrot
Cy: Llysiau’r-Llewpart Dwyreiniol
: Eastern leopard’s-bane
Synonyms
- Doronicum cordifolium (Sternb.)
- Doronicum pilosum (Simonk.)
- Doronicum wulfenianum (Poir.)
- Arnica wulfeniana (Pollini)
- Senecio columnae (E.H.L.Krause)
- Doronicum caucasicum (Vis.)
- Doronicum lucidum (Bernh. ex Pant.)
- Doronicum columnae f. orientalis (Hayek)
- Aronicum cordatum (Schur.)
- Doronicum romanum (Garsault)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Poland (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 18, 2004 by andrea (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 28, 2022 by Lucie Voncová (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 2, 2022 by Steve Orridge (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 2, 2022 by Steve Orridge (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 4, 2021 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 4, 2021 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 6, 2021 by Erich 🦅 (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2022 by Ryan Fogerty (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2019 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2021 by tim kuis (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 31, 2021 by flo badass (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2022 by dimitris log (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2022 by Elfenbeinspecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2022 by Таццяна Таццяна (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2022 by Matteo Palazzi (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:329151-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3143034)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Doronicum columnae Ten.)