Lobeleaf Groundsel

Common Name(s):
Lobeleaf Groundsel
Uinta Groundsel
Basin Butterweed
Butterweed
Scientific Name:
Packera multilobata (Torr. & Gray ex Gray)W.A. Weber & A. Love
Scientific Name Synonyms:
Senecio lynceus Greene
Senecio multilobatus Torr. & A. Gray ex A. Gray
Senecio stygius Greene
Senecio thornberi Greenm.
Senecio uintahensis (A. Nelson) Greenm.
Symbol:
PAMU11
Description:
Life Span: Perennial or Annual
Origin: Native
Growth Characteristics: Lobeleaf groundsel grows up to 2 feet tall and has green foliage that becomes smooth as it matures. It blooms from April through August.
Flowers: 7-13 bright yellow flowers per stem and bracts which are red-to-black tipped. Each flower is about ½ inch wide, and flowers are arranged in a flat topped umbrella-like arrangement. The individual blooms have a ragged appearance.
Fruits/Seeds: Each head produced about 20 smooth seeds with long white bristles to carry them away in the wind.
Leaves: Many, deeply cut, lobed leaves which are mostly basal, with some stem leaves. Basal leaves are up to 5 inches long and 1 ½ inches wide. Stem leaves are alternate and grow smaller as you move up the stem.
Stems: Lobeleaf groundsel has multiple stems.
Roots: Taproot.
Ecological Adaptions:
Lobeleaf grounssel is most commonly found in semi-desert, foothills, and woodlands. It is very common in the “Canyon country” of southern and eastern Utah, but is found throughout the state.
Soils: Prefers dry, sandy soils.
Associated Species: Big Sagebrush, Pinyon pine, Utah Juniper, Many-seeded Juniper.
Uses and Management:
Lobeleaf groundsel is grazed by both livestock and wildlife.