Family: Asteraceae
Author: Michx.
Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 124 (1803)
Year: 1803
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Erigeron
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Robin’s plantain, also known by its scientific name Erigeron pulchellus, is an enchanting perennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. First documented in the early 19th century in the “Flora Boreali-Americana” by André Michaux, Robin’s plantain has since continued to capture the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Native to a wide range stretching from Eastern Canada to the central and eastern regions of the United States, Robin’s plantain thrives in various habitats including woodlands, meadows, and along roadside verges. Its adaptability to different environments makes it a resilient and versatile plant.
The plant features a rosette of basal leaves from which a tall, slender stem arises. Atop this stem, charming daisy-like flowers bloom, showcasing delicate lavender or pinkish rays surrounding a bright yellow center. These blooms typically appear in late spring to early summer, offering a delightful splash of color to the landscape.
Robin’s plantain is not only admired for its aesthetic appeal but also plays a role in supporting local ecosystems. Its flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which in turn aids in the biodiversity of its growing areas.
Whether cultivated in home gardens or growing wild in its native regions, Robin’s plantain adds both beauty and ecological value to its surroundings. This humble yet captivating plant stands as a testament to nature’s intricate and enduring charm.
Common Names
Eng: robin’s plantain, robin’s-plantain fleabane, hairy fleabane, poor robin’s-plantain, robin’s-plantain
Swe: blåbinka
Fra: vergerette délicate, vergerette printanière
En: Robin’s plantain, Robin’s-Plantain, POOR ROBIN FLEABANE, Robin’s-plantain fleabane, Hairy fleabane, Poor robin’s-plantain
Fr: Vergerette délicate, Vergerette printanière
Sv: Blåbinka
Synonyms
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Apr 19, 2015 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 14, 2019 by Aubrey (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2020 by Glenna Frey (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Coreda coreda Steele (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 2, 2022 by mainlymaren (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 24, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2012 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 22, 2014 by EOL − Matthew O’Donnell (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 24, 2019 by Varghoss (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2019 by Aubrey (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Coreda coreda Steele (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2021 by James O’Neill (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Coreda coreda Steele (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Coreda coreda Steele (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 2, 2022 by mainlymaren (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 7, 2022 by Yoann Lussier (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 14, 2019 by Aubrey (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 24, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 24, 2019 by Varghoss (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7820446)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:204381-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Erigeron pulchellus Michx.)