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.