Packera paupercula is a
flowering plantspecies of the genus Packera and family
Asteraceae, native to North America, where it is widespread across Canada and much of the United States.[1] Its common names include balsam ragwort and balsam groundsel.[2] It is a perennial herb that grows 1–3 feet (0.30–0.91 metres) tall.[3] Its habitats include
wet meadows, open woodlands, and rocky outcrops.[4]
It flowers as early as April in the southern part of its range, and as late as August in the northern part of its range.[1][5]
Taxonomy
Packera paupercula taxonomically complex, with varying amounts of infraspecific taxa recognized by different authorities. No single classification to date has received wide acceptance.[1][5] The
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew currently recognizes the following varieties:[6][7]