Erigeron philadelphicus

Similar to E. strigosus and E. annuus but has leaves that clasp the stem at their base and flowers borne on peduncles that are lax, often hanging downward (see photo). It does not have rhizomes as does E. strigosus.

For most Asteraceae only a small percentage of seeds develop and germination is sparse. The seed usually ripens fast after flowering so begin checking when the pappus starts to darken and seeds are brown. Dry for 2-3 days then store in cool, dry conditions. This species is considered a weed and should appear in restoration without planting.

As all members of this genera, E. philadelphicus grows on a wide range of soil types. It is found in old fields, roadsides, and lawns. It is eaten by livestock only when it is in very early stages and is an increaser under heavy grazing. As perennials become reestablished E. philadelphicus will decrease in abundance making it a good indicator of the condition of a prairie plant community. The Acadians of south Louisiana called daisy fleabane "vergerolle," which is a corruption of vergerette, the name used for this genus in Quebec (Holmes 1990).

Old meadows and waste ground.