Scientific Family
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Erigeron macranthus
Other common names
showy fleabane
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Similar species
Erigeron subtrinervis
Height
1 foot
Riparian
Yes
A low growing and rhizomatous spreading perennial. Has clusters of leafy stems that rise from a woody rootstock. Near the top, the stems branch into multiple leafless clustering stalks, each with a flower head at the end resulting in a showy display.
Herbaceous annual, stems simple or branching. Leaves are longer than wide, alternate, often hairy on margins. Stems are leafy up to the flower heads. Ray flowers are bluish to white, slightly coiling at least at the tips; disc flowers are yellow.
Habitat
Survives in several habitats including open areas in pine and fir forests with either dry or moist, gravelly or loamy soil.
Plant Community
Riparian
Montane Conifer Forest
Low elevation
6000
High elevation
11000
Flower Characteristics
Also described as having a lavender to white color. To 2 inches wide. Can have over 75 narrow rays with center golden discs.
Flower color
Bluish-white
Flower shape
Daisy or dandelion-like
Tubular
No
First bloom month
July
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves are variable from smooth to hairy and dull to shiny. Over 1 inch long by up to 3/4 inch wide. Pointed at the apex.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
Yes
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit type
Achene