Overview
Erigeron canadensis is an upright annual in the aster family native to North America, growing 1-6 feet (0.3-1.8 m) tall on a single bristly stem that branches near the top. It begins as a flat basal rosette and bolts into a tall, leafy stalk crowded with narrow, linear leaves 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long, the lower ones toothed and the upper entire. From midsummer into fall it bears many tiny flower heads 0.1-0.2 inch (3-5 mm) across in a branched, plume-like cluster at the top, each head with inconspicuous white to greenish ray florets and a yellowish center. The heads produce numerous small seeds tipped with white bristles that carry on the wind, and a single plant can release tens of thousands of seeds. It germinates in fall or spring and grows rapidly on cultivated fields, roadsides, fallow land, and disturbed soil. It is a widespread agricultural weed, and populations resistant to several common herbicides have developed across its range. The plant tolerates poor, dry soils and compacted ground. The foliage has a faint scent when crushed and can irritate the skin of sensitive people, but is not considered toxic.
Native Range
Erigeron canadensis is native to North and Central America. It has spread as a weed to Europe, Asia, and Australia, where it grows on cultivated land, roadsides, and other open, disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Erigeron canadensis is not grown as a garden plant and occurs as a volunteer on disturbed and cultivated ground. It colonizes bare soil quickly after disturbance and can serve as early cover on fallow land. Its seeds and foliage feed some birds and insects.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 6'
Width/Spread6" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from midsummer into fall, roughly July through October. The tiny white-and-green heads open in large numbers at the top of the stem and are self-fertile, setting seed without cross-pollination. Wind-borne seed disperses through late summer and fall.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to greenishFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established