Golden-fleece (Urospermum dalechampii, Samml. Phys. Aufsätze Böhm. Naturgesch. 1: 276 (1795))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (L.) Scop. ex F.W.Schmidt

Bibliography: Samml. Phys. Aufsätze Böhm. Naturgesch. 1: 276 (1795)

Year: 1795

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Urospermum

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & C. Medit.

Description

Golden-fleece, scientifically identified as Urospermum dalechampii, is a captivating plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Its scientific classification owes credit to the intricate botanical work of renowned botanists, specifically recognized under the author citation (L.) Scop. ex F.W. Schmidt as initially described in 1795 within the notable bibliographic record of Samml. Phys. Aufsätze Böhm. Naturgesch. 1: 276.

Native to the Mediterranean regions, Golden-fleece thrives in various Mediterranean climates where it exhibits its striking golden-yellow flowers. These blooms, resembling clusters of delicate fleece, create vibrant spectacles across meadows and open fields where the plant often makes its home.

Urospermum dalechampii displays a unique morphology that sets it apart within the diverse Asteraceae family. It can be seen gracefully swaying in the Mediterranean breeze, which speaks volumes about its adaptability to these regions’ warm, sunny environments and often calcareous soils. The visual allure of Golden-fleece, coupled with its botanical significance, makes it a subject of interest for both botanists and gardening enthusiasts alike.

The plant’s natural habitat and growth conditions also contribute to its medicinal and ecological roles within its native range. While specific observations regarding its exact medicinal uses are referenced in notable botanical studies, the presence of this species adds to the rich biodiversity and ecological tapestry of the Mediterranean flora.

In sum, Golden-fleece or Urospermum dalechampii is a prominent example within the Asteraceae family, echoing the historical botanical explorations of previous centuries while continuing to enchant observers with its golden-hued beauty and ecological relevance in the modern age.

Common Names

Cos: accuzza barba
Ita: amarago, boccione maggiore, grugno, lattugaccio
Fra: urosperme de daléchamps
En: Golden-fleece
Ca: Amargot, Pom de moro
Co: Accuzza barba
Fr: Urosperme de Daléchamps
De: Weiches Schwefelköpfchen
It: Amarago, Boccione maggiore, Grugno, Lattugaccio
Es: Pom de moro

Synonyms

• Tragopogonodes dalechampii (Kuntze)
• Urospermum grandiflorum (St.-Lag.)
• Tragopogon bicolor (Moench)
• Tragopogon dalechampii (L.)
• Tragopogon verticillatus (Lam.)
• Arnopogon dalechampii (Willd.)
• Tragopogon laetus (Salisb.)
• Urospermum dalechampii var. integrifolium (Bisch.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Tasmania (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 18, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2017 by Joan Gombau (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 2, 2021 by patrizia patrizia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2021 by monique verignon (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 24, 2019 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2018 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2018 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 9, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 27, 2021 by Stéphane Mars (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2021 by Rutas. Cultura. Natura ITINERANTUR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2020 by Botanaute (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2021 by Vanessa Boudet (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 26, 2021 by jeclerencia (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2020 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2022 by trees flinkerbusch (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2021 by Pasquale (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2017 by Hélène Launay (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3096622)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:257064-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Urospermum dalechampii (L.) Scop. ex F.W.Schmidt)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’]

Soil nutriments: 5