Pulicaria spp.

fleabane

Asteraceae Europe, Mediterranean, Africa, Asia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Fragrant (light)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 5–9

Overview

Pulicaria spp. is a genus of about 80 species of annual and perennial herbs and subshrubs in the daisy family (Asteraceae), native to Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa, and Asia. The common fleabane, P. dysenterica, is the most familiar species, a spreading, rhizomatous perennial growing 12-30 inches (30-75 cm) tall. Stems and leaves are often grey-green and softly hairy, with the wavy-edged leaves clasping the stem. From mid- to late summer the plants carry loose clusters of golden-yellow, daisy-like flower heads 0.5-1.2 inches (1.5-3 cm) across, with short ray florets around a deeper yellow center. The flowers draw bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. P. dysenterica spreads by rhizomes and can form wide colonies in damp ground, so it may spread beyond its intended space. Several species grow in seasonally wet meadows, ditches, and saline or coastal soils. The common name reflects a traditional use of the dried plants to deter fleas and other insects.

Native Range

Pulicaria spp. is native to Europe, the Mediterranean region, Africa, and temperate and tropical Asia. P. dysenterica is widespread across Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. Species grow in damp meadows, marshes, ditch and pond margins, dunes, and disturbed or saline ground.

Suggested Uses

Grown in wildlife and pollinator gardens, damp meadows, rain gardens, and pond margins. The late-summer yellow flowers suit naturalistic and meadow-style plantings. Spreading species are also used to stabilize damp or disturbed ground.

How to Identify

Recognize Pulicaria spp. by its grey-green, softly hairy, often clasping leaves and its loose clusters of small golden-yellow daisy flower heads with short ray florets. P. dysenterica spreads into colonies by rhizomes. Crushed foliage of some species has a soapy or aromatic smell.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 2'6"

Width/Spread1' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Summer Fall

Flowering occurs from mid-summer into autumn, roughly July to September, with the yellow heads opening over many weeks. The long bloom period supports late-season pollinators. Fluffy, wind-borne seeds follow.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

clay loam silt

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Pulicaria spp. in full sun to light shade in moist to seasonally wet soil; the genus suits damp meadows, pond edges, and rain gardens. Many species tolerate heavy, clay, and even brackish soils that drain poorly. Keep the soil from drying out for a longer bloom, though established plants tolerate short dry spells. Little feeding is needed. Because rhizomatous species spread, allow room for colonies to form or contain them at the edges. Plants can be lifted and divided to control spread or to propagate.

Pruning

Pulicaria spp. needs little pruning. Spent stems can be cut back after flowering or left to provide seed and winter structure. Cutting back and dividing in autumn or spring helps control the spread of rhizomatous species.

Pruning Schedule

fallearly spring