Erigeron strigosus Muhl. ex Willd.

Common Eastern Fleabane; Lesser Daisy Fleabane; Prairie Fleabane

Herb

Annual

Vascular

Common Eastern Fleabane is a native herbaceous annual or biennial in the Aster family (Asteraceae). It is found throughout Alabama. Common Eastern Fleabane occurs in prairies, on roadsides, in fields, and in disturbed areas. It is a fibrous rooted annual or biennial lacking a rhizome. Stems are erect, pubescent with appressed or ascending hairs, and non-glandular. Leaves are basal and cauline. The leaves are alternate, sessile or petiolate, elliptic to linear or oblanceolate in outline, pubescent, with entire or crenate margins. The leaves are gradually reduced in size from the base towards the top of the plant. Flowers are produced in heads. The heads are arranged in corymbs or panicles. Each head has 50-100 pistillate, white or pinkish ray flowers and numerous perfect yellow disc flowers. The fruit is an achene with a crown of setae, scales, or bristles. Common Eastern Fleabane is a widespread and variable species with variable ploidy levels (2n = 18, 27, 36, 54). Several forms, races, or species have been recognized, but the characteristics used to distinguish them often overlap. The common name “Fleabane” is derived from the belief that dried plants would repel or kill fleas. Dried plants were once included in mattresses and animal beds.—A. Diamond

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Native FAC (NWPL)

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