In the Community: What's In Bloom
Tufted Fleabane (Erigeron caespitosus)
The many different species of fleabane on the prairies all have flowers resembling their close cousins, the asters and daisies. (All are members of the Composite family.) The chief difference is that fleabanes have more numerous petals (greater than 50) on each flower head compared to asters and daisies. Blooming in July, flowers on the Tufted Fleabane are white with a yellow centre and 2-3 cm in diameter. The plant usually grows no more than 30 cm tall with several curving stems growing from the taproot. References to the common name fleabane go back to medieval times when this genus of plants was reportedly burnt as smudge sticks to clear the air of insects or rubbed on the body as a repellent. Indeed, an herbal flea repellent for cats and dogs currently on the market lists erigeron as an active ingredient. We know that butterflies and bees, on the other hand, are attracted to these flowers, especially early in the season when there is a shortage of nectar-bearing plants.
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