SafePlants

Orange Agoseris (Agoseris aurantiaca)

Agoseris aurantiaca, commonly known as orange agoseris or mountain dandelion, is a perennial herb belonging to the sunflower family (Asteraceae). It is noted for its vibrant orange flowers, although the color can vary.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant possesses sharply pointed leaves.
• All parts of the plant are edible.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Agoseris aurantiaca (Hook.) Greene
• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
• Genus: Agoseris
• Common Names: Orange agoseris, mountain dandelion, orange-flower goat-chicory, orange-flowered false dandelion, burnt-orange agoseris, burnt-orange dandelion, slender agoseris
• Synonym: Troximon aurantiacum Hooker
• Subspecies: var. aurantiaca

Distribution and Habitat

• Widespread and common in the western United States, including areas of the southwest.
• Found in open areas, grassy slopes, and moist meadows, often at middle to high elevations.
• Specifically mentioned locations include the Cascade Canyon, Long Draw Reservoir (Roosevelt National Forest, CO), Wenatchee National Forest, and Olympic National Park.

Morphological Characteristics

• Perennial plant growing up to 0.6 meters (2 feet) tall.
• Erect stems arise from a basal rosette of leaves.
• Basal leaves are hairless, lance- to egg-shaped, with or without lobes, and sharply pointed.
• Flower stalk is typically naked.
• Solitary flower head on a scape.
• Involucral bracts are sub-equal, narrow, and pointed.
• Corollas are all ligulate (ray flowers), typically burnt orange in color.

Phenology

• Flowering occurs from July to August.
• Seeds ripen from August to September.

Quirky Facts

• The genus name "Agoseris," given by Rafinesque in 1819, is Greek for "goat chicory."
• "Aurantiaca" is Latin for "orange."
• Agoseris aurantiaca is the only orange-flowered species within the Agoseris genus.

Interactions with Humans

• Leaves can be used as greens, cooked or uncooked.
• Flowers can be used to make beverages.

Further Information

• Discover Life: Provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Plants Database.
• Wolfram|Alpha: Can be used to calculate answers and access data related to the plant.