PHILADELPHIA FLEABANE
Erigeron philadelphicus
SUNFLOWER FAMILY (Asteraceae)
Identification
- Flowering time - May, June
- Uncommon in moist areas on floodplain and in upland ravines
- Daisy-like flower with white or pink rays and yellow central disk
- Clasping leaves on a hairy stem
- See comments for comparison with similar Fleabane species
The earliest of our fleabanes to flower, this native biennial or short-lived perennial grows up to 2 feet tall; it has clasping leaves on hairy stems (A,C). The flower heads are about 1 inch across consisting of up to 150 white or pink ray florets surrounding the yellow central disk florets (B).
Uncommon in moist areas along woodland trails and forest edges, flowering in May and June.
The clasping upper leaves distinguish this species from our two other fleabanes, Annual Fleabane (Erigeron annuus) and Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron strigosus). When present, the pinkish ray florets are also unique to this species. It also prefers moister woodland sites and less disturbance and is the first to flower in May or June. Although early flowering periods overlap, any flowering Erigeron in July or later is not likely to be Philadelphia Fleabane.
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