Erigeron: Fleabane
Erigeron are our native wild daisies. There are several species found on both sides of the Cascades, from coastal rocky bluffs to sub-alpine meadows. Many are garden-worthy, though no reports could be found as to how they are a bane to fleas!
Plant care & info
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Erigeron
Common Name: Fleabane
Western North America.
The green to green/gray basal leaves are broadly lance shaped, held atop a short rhizome. Daisy-like flowers of white, yellow or purple (depending on species) with yellow centers rise above 4-28 inches. Species of Erigeron are found from the coast to both sides of the Cascades in open dry, rocky areas to sub-alpine meadows.
Fleabanes all want full sun and good drainage. Depending on species, it can grow in richer or leaner soil, more or less moisture. Good candidates for a sunny border, container, or rock garden.
Though some are drought-tolerant, these will still look best if given some supplemental water in summer.
Most Erigeron that are garden-worthy are relatively free of pests and disease.
They are relatively carefree, rewarding the home gardener with an abundance of lavender, pink, white or yellow jewel-like rays of petals surrounding a bright yellow center, blooming from mid spring until fall.
Like their related asters and daisies, Erigeron are great for a butterfly garden; all provide nectar for several butterfly species, including the rare Oregon Silverspot and Fenders Blue butterflies.
Of the several native species found in the wild, there are three species that are readily available to the retail nursery trade, one coastal and low-growing and the other a taller form native to sub-alpine meadows in this region.
Explore More Fleabane
Seaside Daisy
Erigeron Glaucus: Seaside Daisy
Slightly succulent leaves that give off a light balsam scent when bruised. Ideal as a rock garden or container plant because of its need for perfect drainage (in the wild it lives its life on rocky coastal outcroppings). Happy with rich soil and dry winters. Spreading by short rhizomes, it tops out at only about 4 inches in height, making it a good candidate for the front of a sunny border.
Subalpine Daisy
Erigeron Peregrinus: Subalpine Daisy
Probably the most common of the Oregon daisies, Erigeron peregrinus is perhaps the best one for the westside garden, due to its preference and adaptability to moister conditions. In the wild it is found growing in moist to wet meadows and streamsides throughout the middle and higher elevations of our region. Flowers vary from lavender, pink or reddish-purple, with a bright yellow central disk. Taller than its rocky and coastal cousins, it stands to approximately 18-24 inches.
Showy Fleabane
Purple to blue or occasionally white flowers all summer long grow throughout the Willamette Valley’s woods, rocky slopes and meadows. They also occur in subalpine areas of eastern Oregon. Height varies greatly from 6″ to 30″ depending on moisture, light and elevation.
Find Natives for your garden
We offer a great selection of Northwest Natives from spring through fall. The plants featured are highlighted favorites, but they do not represent ALL of the plants we carry. For a more complete list, see our Northwest Native Plant List.
