Packera aurea

Golden Ragwort, Golden Groundsel, Butterweed or Squaw Weed, Life Root, Golden Senecio, Uncum, Uncum Root, Waw Weed, False Valerian, Cough Weed, Female Regulator, Cocash Weed, Ragweed, Staggerwort, and St. James wort.

Golden Ragwort is a very versatile flowering perennial member of the Asteraceae which we have found useful in various garden circumstances. It is native to the entire Eastern half of the U.S., and in North Carolina it is reported to occur in mountain and piedmont counties. While USDA says it occurs in “wet to mesic deciduous woodland openings” in our experience the “wet” is tolerated but is not necessary for healthy growth. This plant is rugged, providing a thick, evergreen groundcover and spring display of long lasting, 1½ – 2 foot, bright golden, upright flowers in full sun, in partial/sunny conditions, or even in bright shade. En mass, blooms can be striking These flowers attract a large number of butterflies and other pollinators and would be a good candidate for a pollinator garden, rain garden, or shady damp locations.