Erigeron divergens / spreading fleabane
- very small aster with many ray florets (petals)
- flowering stems have as many as 100 very small flowers
- leaves are hairy
- highly drought tolerant
A small and small-flowered aster with huge numbers of short, white “petals” (ray florets), spreading fleabane is especially found in exposed, disturbed areas, but not recently or frequently disturbed ones. More stable habitats include sagebrush, dry scrublands and meadows. Overall, the plants’ appearance is quite variable, reflecting that diversity of habitats.
Each of the flowering stems has many flower heads, sometimes over 100. Each head is only about an inch wide. Unfortunately their size makes the “flowers” unsuitable for making daisy chains, and the large number of “petals” means it would take all night to decide if he/she loves you or not.
The plants are quite hairy all over, with glandular hairs near the top of the stems. These hairs are an effective deterrent to flies and mosquitos. On the other hand, this character can be quite variable, also reflecting its adaptation to a wide range of habitats. This species branches profusely – more than other fleabanes. The leaf surfaces and margins are covered with short and thin but stiff, greyish-white hairs.
Spreading fleabane blooms from early spring to late fall, and is very drought tolerant. It can be quite variable in form, reflecting its adaptation to a wide range of habitats. And as the name suggests, it spreads but is, supposedly, not invasive.
| Color | |
|---|---|
| Family | |
| Blossom size | |
| Inflorescence size | |
| Inflorescence type | |
| When? | |
| Where? |
