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Annual fleabane

Also known as: white-top

Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers.

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Annual fleabane
Annual fleabane
Annual fleabane
Annual fleabane leaves
Annual fleabane
Annual fleabane florets

Morphology

Stem
Erect, branched, firm, usually round in cross-section, sparingly to densely bristly-hairy.
Leaves
Alternate, simple; lower leaves more or less bristly-hairy, elliptic to broadly ovate, up to 4 inches long, .5 to 2.8 inches wide, (rarely larger); margins coarsely toothed; blade tapering into long stalk; stem leaves numerous, broadly lanceolate; margins mostly toothed or rarely nearly entire, conspicuously bristly-hairy near base.
Inflorescence
Corymb of several to numerous heads, broad, open, bracted.
Flower
Involucral bracts nearly equal, glandular or long-hairy, tips tapering to points; ray florets 80-125, ligule white or rarely light blue, up to 2/5 inch long; disk florets numerous, yellow.
Fruit
Achene, egg-shaped, flattened, straw-colored, pubescent; pappus of ray florets only short scales; pappus of disk florets both hair-like bristles and short scales.

Ecology

Habitat
Disturbed areas, prairies, waste ground, roadsides, and fields; open, moist or drying sites.
Distribution
East 1/2 of Kansas.

Practical Information

Forage Value
Sheep readily consume this weedy species and will control it through grazing. White-tailed deer eat the foliage.

Additional Notes

Special Notes: See also daisy fleabane (Erigeron strigosus) and Philadelphia fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus).
Quick Facts
Plant Type
Wildflower
Family
Asteraceae - Sunflower Family
Life Span
Annual
Height
2-5 feet
Last Updated
2007-11-12
Color Groups
White, Green & Greenish White Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Blooms: May, June, July, August