Erigeron acris
bitter fleabane
Europe, temperate Asia, North America
Overview
Erigeron acris is an erect annual or biennial of the daisy family, growing 4-24 inches (10-60 cm) tall on a stiff, hairy, often reddish stem. A basal rosette of spoon- to lance-shaped leaves forms first, followed by narrower, stalkless leaves up the branched stem. The flower heads are 0.5-0.7 inch (12-18 mm) across, each with a central disc of yellow florets ringed by many narrow, erect ray florets that are pale purple to lilac and scarcely longer than the disc, so the heads look only half-open. Heads are carried in a loose, branched cluster from July to September. Each ripe head releases numerous small achenes tipped with a reddish-white pappus that carries the seed on the wind. The whole plant is short-lived, dying after it sets seed. Size varies widely with soil and exposure, staying small on dry, thin ground and reaching full height in richer sites.
Native Range
Native across Europe, temperate Asia, and North America. Grows in dry, open grassland, sand dunes, quarry floors, old walls, railway ballast, and other sparse, well-drained ground, often over chalk or limestone, mainly in the lowlands and lower hills.Suggested Uses
Found in wildflower and dune plantings, gravel gardens, and naturalistic dry grassland rather than formal borders. It seeds itself into open, stony ground and the tops of walls. Its short life and muted flower colour limit its use as a border plant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 2'
Width/Spread4" - 10"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pale purple to lilacFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight