Ligularia dentata (summer ragwort, "Marubadakebuki")

Japanese name: マルバダケブキ （丸葉岳蕗）
Scientific name: Ligularia dentata

[Overview]
A perennial 0.4–1.2 m tall, found in grasslands in the mountains and in grassy places within forests.
It has a short underground stem.
The stem is thick, erect and hairless.
There are basal leaves and stem leaves.
The basal leaves are reniform-orbicular, up to 30 cm long and 40 cm wide, with serrate margins.
The basal leaves have long leaf stalks.
The two stem leaves are alternate, and the bases of their leaf stalks clasp the stem.
Yellow flower heads form in corymbs at the tip of the flower stem.
The flower heads are about 8 cm across and bear about 10 ray florets.
The fruit is an achene with a reddish brown pappus.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by division.
It prefers soil that is sunny, airy, well drained, moisture-retentive and moderately moist.
Strong direct sunlight in summer can scorch the leaves, so in midsummer it is best to move it to partial shade or provide shading.
Take care that it does not run short of water; for potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries, and for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient unless sunny weather continues in summer and the soil dries out.
Fertilizer is not especially necessary if a base fertilizer is applied, but for potted plants, slow-release fertilizer may be placed on the soil in spring.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

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