Slender-Leaf Fleabane
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(Erigeron tenuis)
Slender-Leaf Fleabane (Erigeron tenuis)
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© Lauren McLaurin
CC BY 4.0
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© Lauren McLaurin
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Lauren McLaurin | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: mcferny | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Summary
Erigeron tenuis, commonly known as slender-leaf fleabane, is a biennial or perennial herb native to prairies, meadows, and open woodlands in the south-central United States, ranging from central Texas to the Florida Panhandle and extending north to Missouri and Kansas. It typically grows to a height of up to 18 inches and features narrowly oblanceolate leaves. The plant produces an inflorescence of 1-60 flower heads, each with blue, white, or pale lavender ray florets encircling yellow disc florets, which bloom from late spring to early fall. The flowers are modest in size but can be quite numerous, creating a delicate, airy display.
Slender-leaf fleabane is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for naturalistic plantings and wildflower gardens. It is also used for erosion control and as a pollinator-friendly plant, attracting bees and butterflies. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and can adapt to a range of soil types, although it performs best in well-drained soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can self-seed prolifically, which may be considered undesirable in some garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Slender-leaf fleabane is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for naturalistic plantings and wildflower gardens. It is also used for erosion control and as a pollinator-friendly plant, attracting bees and butterflies. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and can adapt to a range of soil types, although it performs best in well-drained soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can self-seed prolifically, which may be considered undesirable in some garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to prairies, meadows, and open woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Slender Daisy, East Coast Daisy Fleabane, Slender Fleabane, Eastern Daisy Fleabane
Scientific Names: Erigeron tenuis, Erigeron brazoensis, Erigeron quercifolius
GBIF Accepted Name: Erigeron tenuis