LEOPARDS BANE Doronicum orientale
Doronicum orientale is a perennial that has daisy-like yellow flower heads on long, straight stems, which attract nectar-eating insects. The plants grow to approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall. The basal foliage is bright green with cordate leaves that have scalloped margins. Its native habitats include moist, rocky outcrops and woodland areas.
The specific epithet "orientale," means "eastern" and is in reference to its native range of eastern Europe, not eastern Asia.
It is native to southeastern Europe (Italy, Greece, the Balkans, Hungary, Moldova, Ukraine, southern European Russia) and parts of southwest Asia (Turkey, South Caucasus).
Doronicum orientale is widely cultivated as an ornamental. D. orientale is a hardy (to zone 3) perennial, blooming in early spring. It likes both shade and sun and is easily grown in moist, fertile soil. The plant attracts butterflies!
Type: Hardy perennial
Hardiness zones: 3-9
Location: Sun or part sun
Seeds per pack: 10
Germination: Place seeds on the surface of a sterile seed mix (do not bury them), and keep moist and warm until germination, which can take 3-4 weeks. Do not let the soil dry out, or it can end the germination process. Grow in a partly-shady location. A sterile seed-start mix is important with these seeds, as regular potting soil can contain eggs of fungus gnats, which can be detrimental to very small seeds. Be sure the mix is specifically formulated for starting seeds.
