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Lebsack, Tom

Agoseris aurantiaca

Agoseris aurantiaca (Hook.) Greene

Orange Agoseris

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: agau2

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)

From a basal cluster of leaves grow several leafless stalks with milky sap, topped by coppery-orange flower heads.

This plant is easily recognized. It is the only orange-flowered Agoseris. The leaves can be used as greens, cooked or uncooked. The flowers can be used to make beverages such as Dandelion beer and wine.

From the Image Gallery

5 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb , Subshrub
Size Notes: Leaves erect to decumbent, up to about 15 inches long.
Leaf: Green
Fruit: Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Pink , Orange , Yellow
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: Flowers are typically orange, occasionally yellow or pink, and rarely white.

Distribution

USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , NM , NV , OR , SD , UT , WA , WY
Canada: AB , BC , NT , QC , YT
Native Distribution: Western Canada to California and New Mexico.
Native Habitat: Meadows and grassy openings in coniferous forests in the mountains.

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Loam

Benefit

Use Food: The leaves can be used as greens, cooked or uncooked. The flowers can be used to make beverages such as Dandelion beer and wine.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
Status:		FAC	FAC							FACU

This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

Web Reference

Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) Calflora
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Agoseris aurantiaca in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Agoseris aurantiaca in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Agoseris aurantiaca

Metadata

Record Modified: 2025-03-25
Research By: TWC Staff

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