Doronicum orientale, the Oriental leopard's bane, is a European plant species in the family Asteraceae.
Description Doronicum orientale is a perennial herb 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.
Etymology The specific epithet "orientale," means "eastern" and is in reference to its native range of eastern Europe, not eastern Asia.
Distribution It is native to southeastern Europe (Italy, Greece, the Balkans, Hungary, Moldova, Ukraine, southern European Russia)Altervista Flora Italiana, Doronico orientale, Kaukasus-Gämswurz, gemsrot, Doronicum orientale Hoffm. includes photos and European distribution mapPlantarium, Doronicum orientale Hoffm. Описание таксона, Русскоязычные названия, Дороникум восточный in Russian with photos and partial distribution map and parts of southwest Asia (Turkey, South Caucasus).Royal Horticultural Society, Doronicum orientale, Caucasian leopard's bane
Cultivation Doronicum orientale is widely cultivated as an ornamental.Naturegate, Leopard's Bane, Doronicum orientale There are a few reports of the species having escaped cultivation and been found growing wild in parts of Canada, but the plant apparently failed to become established there.Flora of North America, Oriental leopard’s-bane, Doronicum orientale Hoffmann, Commentat. Soc. Phys.-Med. Univ. Lit. Caes. Mosq. 1: 8. 1808. 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. Cultivars include 'Little Leo', which is semi-double.
Toxicity All parts of this plant are poisonous to humans.
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