Robin’s plantain (Erigeron pulchellus, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 124 (1803))

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.)

Specifications

Growth