Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Fleabane

These tiny Daisy-Like flowers are Common Fleabane (Erigeron annuus) also sometimes called Eastern Daisy Fleabane. They are native to the United States and can be found in a wide variety of habitats. Look for them on roadsides, ditches, open fields, meadows, prairies, waste ground and near stream sides. They can grow up to 5 feet tall, but the flowers are very tiny at 1/2 across. These flowers are generally white, but sometimes can take on a pink tint. They are in the same family of flowering plants as Asters. Daisy's have long been a favorite flower of mine, so their daisy-like appearance appeals to me. I have them coming up in my flower beds and I leave them. There is something so innocent and refreshing about daisy's.
Fleabane usually starts blooming in June and will continue to bloom until October. Their name of fleabane comes from the ancient belief that they could keep the scourage of fleas at bay. Domesticated sheep will eat this plant and can help keep it under control in areas where it grows and the sheep are allowed to graze. Deer will also eat the foliage, which helps keep it from becoming to invasive in some areas. This plant is considered by many to be a nuisance and nothing more than a weed that needs to be destroyed. I for one appreciate their simple beauty. Afterall one person's weed is another persons wildflower.

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