Erigeran annuus (L.) Pers.

Erect annual, but sometimes biennial, plant 0.15 to 1.5 m tall with alternate leaves. Basal leaves are coarsely toothed, often hairy and have long petioles; upper stem leaves are without petioles and clasp the stem. The flowering head is a cluster of showy, daisy-like flowers up to 2.5 cm in diameter. Flowers are compound the outer ray florets with white, often purple or pink tinged “petals” and the densely-packed, center disc florets are yellow. Blooms from late June to late fall.

The central stem has spreading white hairs throughout its length. The leaves toward the base are 3-5″ long with sizable petioles, and they are lanceolate, ovate, or oblanceolate in shape. The leaves along the upper stems are smaller in size, without petioles, and usually lanceolate. These alternate leaves are rather common along the stems, even toward the top of the plant. The lower leaves are often coarsely serrated or dentate, while the upper leaves may have a few coarse teeth toward their outer tips The flower buds often have conspicuous white hairs. The blooming period begins in early summer and continues intermittently until the fall, usually with a lull during the hot weather of late summer. A mild fragrance is sometimes detectable. The root system is fibrous and spreading. The achenes have tufts of small hairs (which they sometimes lose); they are distributed by the wind.

The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to mesic conditions. This plant isn’t fussy about soil characteristics, and tolerates clay or gravel to a greater extent than many others. It’s easy to grow, but can spread aggressively by re-seeding itself in disturbed areas. Sometimes the lower leaves will turn yellow and wither away during hot dry weather. The size of Annual Fleabane can vary considerably depending upon soil fertility, moisture amounts, and competition from neighboring plants.

Annual Fleabane Management

This is one of several annual species of the aster family that can escape Velpar. Early invaders should be controlled by wiping or pulling.