Erigeron philadelphicus

Erigeron philadelphicus is an aster-like biennial or short-lived perennial that is native throughout the U. S. and much of Canada. In Missouri, it is typically found in fields, open woods, moist banks, meadows, valleys, waste ground and along roads and railroad tracks (Steyermark). Although noted for being somewhat weedy, this fleabane produces a profuse and showy mid-spring to early summer bloom of daisy-like flowers that are attractive in the landscape. Each flowerhead (to 1\ diameter) has 100-150 thread-like densely-packed pale pink to white rays with side by side bracts (not overlapping) a... more »

Erigeron philadelphicus is an aster-like biennial or short-lived perennial that is native throughout the U. S. and much of Canada. In Missouri, it is typically found in fields, open woods, moist banks, meadows, valleys, waste ground and along roads and railroad tracks (Steyermark). Although noted for being somewhat weedy, this fleabane produces a profuse and showy mid-spring to early summer bloom of daisy-like flowers that are attractive in the landscape. Each flowerhead (to 1\ diameter) has 100-150 thread-like densely-packed pale pink to white rays with side by side bracts (not overlapping) and a yellow center disk. Plants typically grow to as much as 30\" tall on a single downy stem that branches in the upper half. Spatula-shaped basal leaves and lower stem leaves (2-6\" long) are stalked, toothed and often lobed. Leaves become smaller and fewer in number going up the stem, with the upper stem leaves being stalkless, untoothed and clasping. This fleabane is similar in appearance to asters except asters usually bloom later in the season with have bracts that overlap like shingles. The fleabane name reportedly comes from a once widely held theory that this plant repels fleas. Tea brewed from this species has been used in the past as a diuretic and an astringent. Genus name comes from Greek eri (early) and geron (old man) in reference to the early bloom and downy plant appearance." (less)