Philadelphia fleabane

Erigeron philadelphicus L.

characteristics

Delicate, hairy perennial. Before opening the flower buds droop. The flowers are then upright — when open — but close at night. Flowers are white, pale pink or bluish with a yellow centre. Spreads by rhizomes; may become weedy.

3,000,000 seeds/pound; starts from seed, container.

habitat

Floodplains, fields, roadsides, stream banks, and wet meadows.

uses

Forage for livestock; deer like it too.

Attracts bees, butterflies, and moths.

The plant's odour is reputed to repel fleas, hence the name.