Alpine fleabane (Erigeron alpinus, Sp. Pl.: 864 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 864 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Erigeron

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to N. Iran, Ethiopia (Mts.), Kenya (Mt. Kenya)

Description

Alpine fleabane, scientifically known as Erigeron alpinus, is a charming perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. First described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” this resilient species has found its niche in a variety of rugged and elevated landscapes across the globe.

Native to the mountainous regions of Europe, Alpine fleabane thrives in harsh conditions, often gracing rocky slopes and alpine meadows with its delicate blooms. Its geographic range extends from Europe to Northern Iran, and it has also made its presence known in the highlands of Ethiopia and Kenya, particularly around the majestic Mt. Kenya.

The plant is characterized by its dainty, daisy-like flowers that exhibit a charming interplay of colors — bright yellow central discs surrounded by a ring of soft, purple-pink ray florets. These blooms not only add a splash of color to their stark environments but also attract a variety of pollinators, thereby playing a crucial role in the local ecosystems.

Erigeron alpinus is well-adapted to its high-altitude habitats, displaying a remarkable resilience to extreme weather conditions. Its growth form allows it to withstand cold temperatures and strong winds, making it a quintessential species for gardeners looking to cultivate hardy, ornamental plants in rock gardens or similarly challenging environments.

In the wild, the Alpine fleabane contributes significantly to the biodiversity of its ecosystem, often coexisting with other alpine flora. Its presence in such diverse locations as Northern Iran and the Ethiopian mountains attests to its adaptability and ecological importance.

Overall, the Alpine fleabane stands as a testament to nature’s ability to thrive in some of the most unforgiving climates, bringing beauty and balance to the high-altitude regions it calls home.

Common Names

Deu: alpen-berufkraut
Swe: alpbinka
Pol: przymiotlo alpejskie
Eng: alpine fleabane
En: Alpine fleabane
Ar: أريغارون ألبي
Bg: Алпийска злолетница
Ca: Erígeron alpí
Nl: Alpenfijnstraal
Fr: Vergerette des Alpes
De: Alpen-Berufkraut
It: C√©spica alpina, Cespica alpina, Céspica alpina
Fa: پیربهار آلپ
Pl: Przymiotno alpejskie, Przymiotlo alpejskie
Sv: Alpbinka

Synonyms

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kenya (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 24, 2019 by Gilles (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2020 by Rosemonde Gemond (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2019 by Paul Henrich (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Elzet Dental (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Apr 1, 2020 by Théotime Chabre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2013 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 28, 2020 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2021 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 18, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2020 by frieda floor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2019 by Alfred Rocha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2021 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2020 by Polinella (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 1, 2020 by Théotime Chabre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 7, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 7, 2022 by Jani Zadrgal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 12, 2020 by Christophe Christophe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:203509-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/9074530)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Erigeron alpinus L.)

Specifications

Growth