(Doronicum caucasicum var magnificum)
(Doronicum caucasicum var magnificum)
Perennial of the Asteraceae family, native to the Caucasus, Asia Minor and the Near East, where it grows in light undergrowth, forest edges and fresh meadows of mid-mountain. The variety magnificum is distinguished from the type species by its larger flowers and more vigorous habit.
It forms a supple clump 30 to 50 cm in height, with slightly branched upright stems, bearing heart-shaped leaves at the base, clasping on the stem, of a tender green and slightly pubescent. The foliage disappears in summer dormancy after flowering, a common characteristic to the entire genus.
The flower heads are solitary or few per stem, of a bright and luminous golden yellow, with a more pronounced central disc and long, well-spaced radiating ligules. Their diameter, significantly larger than that of the type species, fully justifies the epithet magnificum. It is one of the first large yellow flowers in the garden in spring, at a time when competition is still limited.
In its natural habitat, flowering extends from April to June. In cultivation, it occurs in April-May depending on the regions.
It tolerates partial shade as well as full sun, provided the soil remains fresh and well-drained. Hardy and undemanding, it naturalizes readily under trees and is suitable for compositions with a spontaneous character.