Daisy fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus, Sp. Pl.: 863 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 863 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Erigeron

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Subarctic America to U.S.A.

Description

Daisy fleabane, scientifically known as Erigeron philadelphicus, is a remarkable plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family, one of the largest families of flowering plants. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 under the bibliographical reference “Sp. Pl.: 863,” this plant has since captivated botanists and nature enthusiasts alike with its unique characteristics and widespread presence.

This herbaceous perennial is native to a wide range of regions, encompassing Subarctic America all the way to the United States. Its adaptability to various climates and soil types has contributed to its extensive distribution. Daisy fleabane is easily recognized by its tall, slender stems which can grow up to 1 meter high, adorned with small, daisy-like flowers. These flowers typically bloom from early spring to late summer, showcasing a beautiful array of white to pale pink petals surrounding a bright yellow central disk.

Erigeron philadelphicus thrives in both wild and cultivated settings, making it a common sight in meadows, fields, roadsides, and even gardens. Its preference for moist, well-drained soils in sunny to partially shaded environments further enhances its versatility in different habitats. One notable feature of this plant is its tendency to form dense clusters, creating a vibrant floral display that attracts various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Historically, Daisy fleabane was also valued for its utilitarian purposes. The name “fleabane” hints at its traditional use by early settlers and Indigenous peoples who believed that the plant could repel fleas and other pests. While modern science has not substantiated these claims, this aspect adds an interesting cultural dimension to the plant’s profile.

Overall, Daisy fleabane is more than just a pretty flower. Its ecological importance, coupled with a rich historical backdrop, highlights the significance of this resilient and widespread species within the vast Asteraceae family.

Common Names

Eng: daisy fleabane, frostroot, philadelphia daisy, philadelphia fleabane, robin’s-plantain, common fleabane, marsh fleabane, robin’s plantain
Deu: philadelphia-berufkraut, philadelphia-feinstrahl
Fra: vergerette de philadelphie, érigéron de philadelphie
Hun: lilás seprence
Cym: amrhydlwyd america
En: Daisy fleabane, Frostroot, Robin’s-plantain, Philadelphia daisy, Philadelphia fleabane, Robin’s Plantain, Common fleabane, Marsh fleabane
Fr: Vergerette de Philadelphie, Érigéron de Philadelphie
De: Philadelphia-Feinstrahl, Philadelphia-Berufkraut
Hu: Lilás seprence
Cy: Amrhydlwyd America

Synonyms

• Stenactis philadelphica ((L.) Hegi)
• Tessenia philadelphia ((L.) Lunell)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Corse (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Newfoundland (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 4, 2018 by Randy Huey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2017 by Michel Nialon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2018 by Line T. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 15, 2017 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Dec 6, 2020 by kafaktor (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2021 by Tasha Tchek (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2019 by Joshua Kuykendall (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 31, 2022 by megaultratom (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2020 by patricia woolever (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 1, 2022 by Norma Villalta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Véronique Grenier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2019 by Stephen Fulks (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 3, 2015 by EOL − Matt Rung (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 3, 2015 by EOL − Matt Rung (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 11, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2022 by Marijke K (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 11, 2020 by Swamp Ass (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2018 by Traudl Staller-Mattersberger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2012 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 12, 2018 by David Vahey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Jani A (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 21, 2019 by lukas klümper (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2011 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:204312-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3119285)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Erigeron philadelphicus L.)

Specifications

Growth