Oakleaf Fleabane
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(Erigeron quercifolius)
Oakleaf Fleabane (Erigeron quercifolius)
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mfeaver
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
mfeaver
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: mfeaver | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: mfeaver | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-04-05T13:27:44-07:00 |
Summary
Erigeron quercifolius, commonly known as Oakleaf Fleabane, is a perennial herb native to open woodlands and savannas in the southeastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). The plant features erect stems with toothed, oak-like leaves and clusters of small daisy-like flowers with white to pale lavender ray florets surrounding a yellow disc, blooming from late spring to early fall. The flowers are moderately showy and attract a variety of pollinators.
Oakleaf Fleabane is valued for its wildlife benefits, as it serves as a food plant for various Lepidoptera larvae. It is used in native plant gardens, borders, and as a ground cover, particularly in naturalized areas. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, though it is tolerant of a range of soil types. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping. While generally disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from powdery mildew in humid conditions. Erigeron species are not known for aggressive roots, but some can self-seed prolifically if conditions are favorable.CC BY-SA 4.0
Oakleaf Fleabane is valued for its wildlife benefits, as it serves as a food plant for various Lepidoptera larvae. It is used in native plant gardens, borders, and as a ground cover, particularly in naturalized areas. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, though it is tolerant of a range of soil types. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping. While generally disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from powdery mildew in humid conditions. Erigeron species are not known for aggressive roots, but some can self-seed prolifically if conditions are favorable.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 0.5-0.75 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow, Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands and savannas in the southeastern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Southern Fleabane
Scientific Names: Erigeron quercifolius, Aster quercifolius, Aster quercifolius, Diplemium quercifolium, Erigeron philadelphicus
GBIF Accepted Name: Erigeron quercifolius