Bigleaf ligularia (leopard plant) Ligularia dentata
Bigleaf ligularia (leopard plant) (Ligularia dentata) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to China and Japan. It grows 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 70 cm (28 in) apart.
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Bigleaf ligularia (leopard plant) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 70 cm (28 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | China and Japan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China |
Is Bigleaf ligularia (leopard plant) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: leaves, roots
Ligularias contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can damage the liver: do not eat them.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Bigleaf ligularia (leopard plant)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Bigleaf ligularia (leopard plant)
- How far apart should I plant Bigleaf ligularia (leopard plant)?
- About 70 cm (28 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Bigleaf ligularia (leopard plant) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Bigleaf ligularia (leopard plant) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Bigleaf ligularia (leopard plant)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Bigleaf ligularia (leopard plant) flower?
- From about July for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Bigleaf ligularia (leopard plant) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Ligularias contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can damage the liver: do not eat them.
- What grows well with Bigleaf ligularia (leopard plant)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Bigleaf ligularia (leopard plant). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of China, Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria (eFloras)
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Big rounded leaves (purple beneath in ‘Desdemona’ and ‘Othello’) and branched heads of bright orange daisies in late summer. Needs constantly moist soil: the leaves wilt dramatically on hot afternoons. A favourite of slugs.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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