Overview
Erigeron divergens is a taprooted annual to short-lived perennial 4-20 inches (10-50 cm) tall, freely branched and covered in spreading gray hairs, native to dry plains, slopes, and disturbed ground across western and central North America. The lower leaves are spoon-shaped and 0.5-2.5 inches (1-6 cm) long, while the stem leaves are narrow and stalkless. From spring through autumn the branched stems carry numerous daisy-like heads 0.5-0.75 inch (12-18 mm) across, each with 75 to 150 thread-narrow ray florets in white, pink, or pale blue surrounding a yellow disk. Plants flower within their first season and often die after seeding, persisting in a site through self-sown seedlings rather than long-lived crowns. They tolerate poor, dry soils and open sun but are weakly competitive, fading where taller vegetation closes in. The dense hairs give the whole plant a grayish cast. Bloom is heaviest after spring rains and lighter through summer heat.
Native Range
Native to western and central North America, from British Columbia and the Great Plains south through the western United States into Mexico, on dry plains, foothills, roadsides, and disturbed open ground.Suggested Uses
Grown in dry meadows, rock gardens, and native or pollinator plantings on lean soil. Used to fill disturbed ground and gravelly slopes where little else establishes quickly. Its short life and weak competition restrict its use in dense, irrigated borders.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'8"
Width/Spread4" - 1'
Bloom Information
Heads open from spring through autumn, generally March through October, with the heaviest flush after spring rain. Each head holds 75 to 150 thread-like ray florets around a yellow disk. Bees, small butterflies, and flies visit the open heads.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pink or pale blue with yellow centerFoliage Description
Gray-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
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun and dry, well-drained soil of low fertility suit this short-lived plant. It tolerates a soil pH from about 6.0 to 8.0 and withstands heat and drought once rooted on its taproot. Excess water and rich soil push soft growth and shorten its life further. Plants set seed freely and renew a planting through volunteers rather than persistent crowns. Powdery mildew and aphids appear on crowded, shaded plants. Growth slows and foliage thins through the hottest part of summer.Pruning
Shearing the plant after the first bloom flush can prompt a lighter second round of flowers. Spent plants are pulled or left to self-seed at season end. No structural pruning is needed.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
