Erigeron strigosus

Similar to E. annuus which has long spreading hairs on its stems, leaves wider than one cm, rhizomes, ample foliage, and is usually six to fifteen dm tall, while E. strigosus has short appressed hairs on its stems (at least in the upper part), sparse foliage, leaves that are less than one cm wide, and stems that are usually three to seven dm tall. It is also similar to Erigeron philadelphicus but has long, narrow to subpetiolar leaf bases, no rhizomes, and erect peduncles while E. philadelphicus has rhizomes, leaves that clasp the stem at their base, and flowers borne on peduncles that hang downward.

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. Seeds average approximately 12,700,000 /lb.

Desirable to cattle as forage.

As all members of this genus, E. strigosus grows on a wide range of soil types. It is eaten by livestock only in very early stages and is an increaser under heavy grazing. As perennials become reestablished, E. strigosus will decrease in abundance making it a good indicator of the condition of a prairie plant community.

Open loamy ground, open moist or drying prairies and disturbed sites.