Golden Ragwort (Senecio aureus )

Family: Aster Family (Asteraceae)

Other Names: Common Groundsel, Squaw-weed, False Valerian, Liferoot, Ragwort

Origin: Native

Historic First Bloom Seen: April 9*

GPS For Stand: N 39°04.640' W 84°24.876'

Interesting Facts: This native wildflower occurs throughout the rich forests of the preserve. It is the earliest of our native composites to bloom in the woods. The basal leaves of this plant are present throughout the winter. The heart-shaped undersides of these leaves appear purplish red.

*Average bloom time is based on a compilation of wildflower bloom times from 1975 to present.