eastern daisy fleabane
Family
AsteraceaeScientific Name
Erigeron annuusOther Common Names:
annual fleabane
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Stenactis annua
Erigeron annuus var. discoideus
Habit
Annual Fleabane is a summer annual weed that is common throughout most of North America. It is most common in the eastern and mid-western states. It grows to about 3 and 1/2 feet tall. The blooming period starts in early summer and continues through fall. It usually lulls during hot periods. It reproduces by seeds, which have white tufts and are carried by the wind. Annual Fleabane can sustain many soils from moist areas to dry areas, but prefers clay or gravel.
Leaves
Leaves of annual fleabane are alternate. They are up to 4 inches long and as broad as 2 inches. The lower leaves are coarsely toothed and tend to be broader. The upper leaves are narrower and often have shorter or no stems. The upper leaves are not toothed but are hairy. The first leaves form a rosette.
Flower Seed Head
The flowers of annual fleabane are often described as daisy-like.They are most often 50 to 100 white rays around a yellow center. They occur at the apex of the stem and are 1/2 to 3/4 inches in diameter. The flowers may have a blue or pink tinge to them at times.
Seed Fruit
The seed of annual fleabane is small, shiny and brown. It is usually about 1.27mm of an inch long. It has a white tuft at the end which allows it to be carried by the wind.
Where Found
Annual fleabane is found in many regions of North America, but is most common in the mid-western and eastern areas. It is often found in old fields or on roadsides.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
pencil,
dime
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
white,
yellow
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
has hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
lance,
oval
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
serrated
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
Varies:
none,
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
has hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
Varies:
fibrous,
taproot
Life Cycle
summer annual
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb