Philadelphia fleabane is a native wildflower in the sunflower family (Asteracea); it looks like a small feathery daisy or aster.
Many may consider this flowering plant to be a weed, but it struck me as a nice addition to my yard. Although it’s not where I would like it to be at the moment, I will dig it up and transplant it.
I have noted that some sources consider this plant to be an invasive weed in certain areas of the country. I’ll have to keep a close eye on it to see how it grows in my garden.
Native Range
Fleabane can be found growing throughout much of the United States and Canada. It is native to the U.S.
How to Grow Philadelphia Fleabane
This wildflower is biennial or perennial and grows to be a couple of feet tall with multiple flowers. It prefers full sun and moderately moist soil that drains well. This plant flowers in spring and summer. It is drought-resistant and heat-tolerant.
Wildlife Value
Wildlife that use fleabane include deer and rabbits, which will feed on it, and lots of insects use the pollen or nectar including butterflies, bees, and moths which pollinate fleabane. However, it is moderately deer resistant.
This plant is the larval host of the Northern Metalmark butterfly.
According to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, this plant has special value to native bees.
Additional Information
More information on Philadelphia fleabane:
- Read the USDA plant profile: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=erph
- Read the USDA plant guide: http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_erph.pdf
- Read the Wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erigeron_philadelphicus
