Comprehensive DescriptionRead full entry
CommentsGoldenrod Ragwort is an attractive spring wildflower. In Illinois, the perennial Senecio spp. (Ragworts) differ from each other by the shape of their basal leaves. Among these, Golden Ragwort has the most orbicular basal leaves; each basal blade is slightly to strongly indented at the base where it is joined by the petiole. Other perennial Ragworts have more slender basal leaves that are usually oval to elliptic in shape. One of them, Senecio plattensis (Prairie Ragwort), has conspicuous hairs on its leaves and stems, while mature plants of Golden Ragwort are hairless. A scientific synonym of Golden Ragwort is Packera aurea, and it is sometimes referred to as 'Heart-Leaved Ragwort' or 'Heart-Leaved Groundsel.'